Week 5, Oct. 11: vs. Panthers
The Panthers aren’t a bad team, but they’re a new team, like, everywhere. New quarterback, new coordinators and a new head coach. That type of mesh usually doesn’t come into fruition until at least mid-season. The advantage of experience gives the Falcons the clear upper hand in Week 5, and I see this game being a win for Atlanta for sure. I also question how well Teddy Bridgewater is going to connect with his new guy, Robby Anderson, who the media seems to be hyping up in Carolina. Bridgewater excels in the short-passing game and finished with an incredibly low air yards per attempt number in 2019. Anderson’s best traits are his speed and range. The Falcons should win this game convincingly.
OUTCOME: WIN, 3-2
Week 6, Oct. 18: at Vikings
The Vikings lost some firepower on offense by sending Stefon Diggs to Buffalo. A main component in the Falcons’ loss to Minnesota last year was how anemic the team’s run game was. They also got manhandled by Dalvin Cook in embarrassing fashion. If the addition of Todd Gurley can bring life to Atlanta’s ground attack and pairing that with the shrewdness of Raheem Morris and his upper hand in game plan and scheme, I think the Falcons steal this one.
OUTCOME: WIN, 4-2
Week 7, Oct. 25: vs. Lions
This game won’t be a walk in the park as some may suggest. The Lions deserve a little more respect than they’re getting. Their defense runs through the 2nd and 3rd levels and the offense has a powerful run game. However, the Falcons are better coached and more talented overall. Atlanta barely won the last matchup but should walk out of Week 7 with a victory. I think the Falcons also had a substantially better offseason than the Lions did, though the pieces the Lions added were good players.
OUTCOME: WIN, 5-2
Week 8, Oct. 29: at Panthers
Now, contrary to the Week 5 result, I think the Panthers have found their mesh point by now and the inexperience of the coaching staff will be less of a factor. Midway through the season, Carolina may be putting things together or bottoming out. Ultimately, I think the Panthers will have a strong game plan in Week 8 and get the best of the Falcons.
OUTCOME: LOSS, 5-3