NFL Predictions 2009: The Falcons were one of many surprises in the 2008 NFL season, recovering from a 4-12 record the previous year to go 11-5 and reach the Playoffs. Rookie Head Coach Mike Smith won NFL Coach of the Year as a result of the turnaround and quarterback Matt Ryan won Rookie of the Year. Atlanta is now on everyone's radar, which will only makes things tougher on them in 2009. However, BetUS.com's Atlanta Falcons NFL Predictions 2009 has the franchise listed at +220 moneyline odds to win the NFC South. 
Offensively the Falcons should be a better unit than they were a year ago. Matt Ryan should improve after having a year under his belt and the running game, which averaged 153 yards per game in '08, ought to pick up right where it left off with Michael Turner still getting the bulk of the carries. Turner made a huge splash as a free agent pickup last year, rushing for 1699 yards and 17 touchdowns.
The team also has its top two wideouts back in Roddy White and Michael Jenkins. Atlanta brass traded for future Hall of Fame tight end Tony Gonzalez too, adding a perennial Pro Bowler to the roster that will likley become Ryan's best friend in the passing game. Gonzalez caught 96 passes for 1058 yards and 10 touchdowns last year with the Chiefs.
The Falcons defense was the weaker half of the team last season, ranking 24th in yards allowed, 25th in rushing yards allowed, and 21st in passing yards allowed. They did somehow manage to limit opposing offenses to 20.3 points per game, in spite of all the ground relinquished.
Five starters from last year's group are gone, including leading tackler Keith Brooking and defensive tackle Grady Jackson. Atlanta intends to fill the spots from within the organization as former Jaguar linebacker Mike Peterson was the only defensive player acquired through trade or free agency. The club dealt with the losses by selecting defense with their first five picks in the 2009 NFL Draft.
Ryan and company open the season on September 13th at home against the Dolphins.
BetUS.com Atlanta Falcons NFL Predictions 2009 – Super Bowl Odds 2010
Atlanta Falcons Regular Season Win Total:
Over 8.5 (-115)
Under 8.5 (-115)
Atlanta Falcons Odds to Win the NFC South:
+220
Atlanta Falcons Odds to Win the 2010 NFC Championship:
+1000
Atlanta Falcons Super Bowl Odds 2010:
+2200
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