Atlanta Falcons: USA Today predicts repeat of NFC South title

USA Today released a prediction of the final record for all 32 teams in the NFL and had the Atlanta Falcons winning their division at 12-4

They went 11-5 in 2016 and won the NFC South. The Atlanta Falcons then went on to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl, but unfortunately lost. Often times such a letdown after a fantastic year can lead to the dreaded “Super Bowl hangover.”

There’s been a lot of talk about how the Falcons are poised to avoid such a season in 2017, and now we know that USA Today agrees. In their recent release of their 2017 NFL standings prediction, they chose Atlanta as the winners of the NFC South by virtue of a 12-4 record.

"Atlanta Falcons (12-4): They may have the most loaded roster in the league and should get a boost opening their new stadium. The big questions about the NFC champs are the dreaded Super Bowl hangover — and the Falcons went on an unprecedented bender — the loss of OC Kyle Shanahan and a midseason stretch of four road games in five weeks that includes trips to New England and Seattle."

Writer Nate Davis of course mentioned the fear of a hangover following the heartbreaking loss in the championship game, but the 12-win prediction shows they aren’t taking it too seriously.

As for the rest of the South, USA Today picked the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to finish second with a record of 10-6, the New Orleans Saints to get to 8-8 after three-straight 7-9 seasons and lastly they have the Carolina Panthers in last place with a record of 7-9.

Next: Atlanta Falcons: Forecasting the future Edition 2

Davis was high on the Bucs young talent, but still unimpressed with the offense the Saints will roll out. He also added that the Panthers offense is what will hold them back as quarterback Cam Newton recovers from offseason surgery on his arm.