In case you have been under a rock, the Atlanta Falcons are a complete mess. With the disaster that is Michael Vick, the Falcon’s offense is a complete joke as of now. What makes matters worse is that they traded their up and coming backup Matt Schaub during the off season. So it looks as if Joey Harrington will get another chance to live up to the hype that surrounded him coming out of college. Sportsbook.com has posted the Atlanta Falcons betting odds to win Super Bowl XLII at 60 to 1.
“The loss of Vick will send this team spiraling downward,” stated Point-Spreads.com NFL expert handicapper Brad Marchetti. “The betting odds for winning the superbowl should be 1000 to 1. I can't see this team winning more than 5 games in the 2007 NFL Regular Season!”
Warrick Dunn is coming off three consecutive 1000 yard seasons and had a career high 286 carries last season. Despite these impressive numbers, it is hard to expect too much from him considering he is now 32 years old. 35 year old Joe Horn joins a less than average receiving core which is anchored by one of the best tight ends in the league in Alge Crumpler.
Despite having All Pro DeAngelo Hall in their secondary, the Falcon’s passing defense ranked 29th in the NFL last season, yielding almost 230 yards per outing. 1st pick Jamaal Anderson should step in for the departed Patrick Kerney.
A major key to Atlanta’s defense is the health of John Abraham. If he can return to form, he will obviously boost the pass rush which will assist the less than ideal defensive passing stats as well. The linebacking unit is decent with the steady Keith Brooking along with the up and coming Mike Boley.
Key additions: WR Joe Horn, QB Joey Harrington, OG Toniu Fonti, K Aaron Elling
Key losses: DE Patrick Kerney, FB Justin Griffith, QB Matt Schaub, WR Ashley Lelie, LB Ed Hartwell
To Win the NFC South:
New Orleans 6-5
Carolina 9-5
Tampa Bay 4-1
Atlanta 5-1
To Win the NFC:
New Orleans 6-1
Carolina 8-1
Tampa Bay 20-1
Atlanta 25-1
To Win the Super Bowl:
New Orleans 15-1
Carolina 25-1
Tampa Bay 50-1
Atlanta 60-1
