In the second of a 32-part series, we are featuring all National Football League teams with a prediction of where each team will finish within their division, key off-season acquisitions and their top fantasy stars. Here are the Atlanta Falcons.
Key Off Season Acquisitions
Unlike the Arizona Cardinals who were extremely quiet in the offseason, the Atlanta Falcons were very busy. Among the players they signed included defensive end David Onyemata of Lagos, Nigeria (three years, $35 million from the New Orleans Saints), safety Jessie Bates III of Fort Wayne, Indiana (four years, $64 million from the Cincinnati Bengals), linebacker Kaden Elliss of Salt Lake City, Utah (three years, $21.5 million from the Saints), defensive end Calais Campbell of Denver, Colorado (one year, $7 million from the Ravens), and quarterback Taylor Heinicke of Atlanta, Georgia (two years, $20 million from the Washington Commanders). Atlanta also acquired tight end Jonnu Smith of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in a trade with the New England Patriots and cornerback Jeff Okudah of Grand Prairie, Texas in a trade with the Detroit Lions.
Top Fantasy Stars
The Falcons player ranked in the top 10 at his position is kicker Younghoe Koo of Seoul, South Korea. Koo is ranked fifth among kickers and has the benefit of playing in a dome stadium. Last season he made 32 of 37 field goals and had a field goal percentage of 86.5%. Koo also made seven field goals of 50 yards or more, and 33 of 35 converts.
Projected Finish
It is not out of the question that the Falcons could contend for a NFC South Division title in 2023. Even though they were at seven wins and 10 losses, Atlanta was only one game back of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the division crown. I am predicting a third place finish here for Atlanta as the Buccaneers are expected to regress without Tom Brady at the helm due to his retirement.
