Atlanta Falcons: 5 Non-NFC South stars to account for in 2017

His stats in 2016 are somewhat misleading, but Dallas Cowboys wide out Dez Bryant is a beast. The No. 1 receiver for Big D has failed to hit the 1,000 yard mark the past two seasons and his 81 receptions over that span is under his totals in 2012-2014 when he was consistently nearing the 90 reception total.

Bryant can’t be ignored despite his recent struggles. He still crossed the goal line eight times last season, which was also his first year working with new quarterback Dak Prescott. The two have started to form a much better bond with one another and to this point in the preseason, they look like a dangerous combination.

With Atlanta still not a shut-down secondary, they need to be really careful in their Week 10 meeting with Dallas. This team has a lot of weapons like receiver Cole Beasley, tight end Jason Witten and running back Ezekiel Elliott. Focusing too much on them could be deadly because Bryant is the kind of guy that just needs one throw to come his way and turn the course of a game.

He’s the best receiver they will face outside the NFC South as only Mike Evans of the Bucs seems to be on the same level in terms of people they will face in 2017.