2010 Atlanta Falcons: Predictions, NFL Odds and Picks

The Atlanta Falcons did not make the playoffs in 2009 but did clear a major hurdle that has eluded the franchise since its beginning in 1966 as they finally accomplished back to back winning years as they had a 9-7 straight up record while paying out 11 times in NFL odds to gamblers. Atlanta was 11-5 the year before and did not catch teams napping in 2009 but as a young team with a winning experience and plenty of talent they could be the surprise team in NFL picks for the league this year. Online sportsbooks opened with Atlanta as a 20-1 longshot to win the Super Bowl in NFL predictions with an over/under regular season win total of 9 OVER (-145).

Any conversation about the Falcons chances in NFL betting picks begins with quarterback Matt Ryan, who had a rough sophomore season after breaking out as a star in 2008 when he was a rookie starter. Ryan still amassed close to 3,000 yards but had a 22/14 TD/INT ratio. Ryan will need help from the ground attack that was in the middle of the NFL rankings last year. Michael Turner had 871 yards and a nice 4.9 yards per carry average but more production is needed so defenses can be honest and not key on Ryan.

Roddy White is a fine receiver who had 85 catches for a 13.6 yards per catch average with 11 touchdowns. Veteran tight end Tony Gonzalez was an excellent pick up as he caught 83 passes. The defense was another problem last year as it ranked 21st overall in NFL odds and was really lit up in the air as it ranked 28th against the pass. Head coach Mike Smith has done the impossible in making Atlanta a respected club and completely turning around the franchise after Michael Vick nearly destroyed it. The weapons are in place for a playoff run.