The Atlanta Falcons have managed to win seven games each of the last two seasons, and while that wasn’t good enough to qualify for the postseason, it was better than most analysts predicted.
Head coach Arthur Smith was able to keep the team focused and competitive for the most part, despite having subpar talent. Looking ahead to year three, the Falcons are hoping to take that next step with an improved roster that includes safety Jessie Bates III and defensive lineman Calais Campbell.
CBS Sports, who previously labeled the Falcons “losers” following day one of free agency, is now projecting 2023 win totals for all 32 NFL teams. The Falcons were projected to finish second in the NFC South with 7.5 wins (same as the Panthers).
The Saints have a 9.5-win projection (best in the division) and the Buccaneers are projected to finish last with 6.5 wins.
| Rank | Team | Win Projection | Over | Under | 2022 Record |
| 1 | Saints | 9.5 | +110 | -130 | 8-9 |
| 2 | Falcons | 7.5 | -115 | -105 | 7-10 |
| 3 | Panthers | 7.5 | -110 | -110 | 7-10 |
| 4 | Buccaneers | 6.5 | -115 | -105 | 7-10 |
Quarterback play will likely be a major factor in how the Falcons fare this season. After many speculated the team would look to pursue Lamar Jackson or draft a QB in the top 10, Atlanta is going forward with Desmond Ridder in 2023.
The former third-round pick should benefit from a healthy complement of weapons on offense, including Drake London, Kyle Pitts, Tyler Allgeier and Cordarrelle Patterson. Defensively, the team invested a ton of money in the secondary and defensive line — two of the most problematic areas last season.
