NFL.com says it’s time to hop on the Falcons’ bandwagon

The Atlanta Falcons have taken a drastically different approach to building their roster since Arthur Smith and Terry Fontenot came aboard in 2021. Despite spending two seasons in salary cap hell, Atlanta used that time to develop a foundation and offensive identity.

Now that the Falcons have addressed some of their defensive issues in free agency, could it finally be time to jump on the team’s bandwagon for 2023?

After all, the NFC South is wide open, and Atlanta has the NFL’s easiest strength of schedule this season. Count NFL.com‘s Adam Schein as a believer in the 2023 Falcons. In a new feature examining different players and teams to buy into this season, Schein listed Atlanta as the NFL’s No. 1 bandwagon:

I think this is the NFL’s sleeper squad in 2023. While I named the rival Saints as my Cinderella team after the signing of Derek Carr in March, I believe both NFC South teams can win 10-plus games this year.

First of all, I’m a big fan of Arthur Smith. Despite going 7-10 in each of his first two seasons in the big chair, Smith is a fabulous coach. The third year will indeed be the charm, given the growth and upgrading of the roster. Second-year quarterback Desmond Ridder has a true chance to be solid under Smith’s watchful eye — especially with the NFL experience gained since his third-round selection in the 2022 draft.

Another thing Schein pointed out was Atlanta’s addition of rookie running back Bijan Robinson. Considering Smith’s track record of maximizing the ground game, giving him a generational talent like Robinson only makes the team more dangerous.

One thing that certainly helps: The addition of No. 8 overall pick Bijan Robinson. That’s a monster all-purpose weapon joining Ridder in the backfield — and joining a playmaking group that already features Drake London, Cordarrelle Patterson and Kyle Pitts. With a stout group on the offensive line, Smith’s Falcons should create some fireworks in 2023. Meanwhile, the defense — Atlanta’s bugaboo for years — got a boost on every level in free agency.

The Falcons added some major names on defense as well, signing Calais Campbell, Jessie Bates III, David Onyemata, Tre Flowers and Bud Dupree. Going into the offseason with over $60 million in cap space has set the team up for legitimate success in 2023.

Atlanta kicks things off at home against the Carolina Panthers in Week 1. With a win on opening day, the Falcons would have a winning record for the first time in five seasons.