Yes, it’s true that Matt Ryan and the Atlanta Falcons took a step backwards in 2017 from their 2016 season that saw them win 11 games and reach Super Bowl 51 opposite the New England Patriots. Still, the longtime NFC South residents had a pretty solid season by going 10-6 a year ago, even if their postseason hopes got abruptly ended in the wild card round by the eventual Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles.
Now, as they get set for their upcoming 2018 campaign, the Falcons once again have some legitimate playoff hopes – and rightfully so – after making some huge strides on the defensive side of the ball a year ago while going from 27th in total defense in 2016 to ninth last season.
More importantly, if you’re looking to cash in with a winning wager on Atlanta’s 2018 win total odds, then you’re going to have a great chance to do just that because of the insightful expert NFL betting analysis that you’re about to get on the Falcons’ 2018 regular season matchups.
Atlanta Falcons 2018 NFL Win/Loss Odds Prediction
Soon? Grind time.#WinFromWithin pic.twitter.com/E133ISSmCr
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) July 10, 2018
Week 1 at Philadelphia
The Falcons will kick off their 2018 regular season in the same place their 2017 season ended – the City of Brotherly Love. Unfortunately, they’re also going to suffer the same result as the last time they visited Philly – a narrow loss. The defending champs will be more that fired up for this contest. Plus, the Falcons are currently +4 in the NFL odds for Week 1. So it’s a no brainer. Loss. 0-1
Week 2 vs. Carolina
The Falcons have won four straight home dates against the Carolina Panthers and this contest will make it five in a row. Win. 1-1
Week 3 vs. New Orleans
The Falcons beat their division rivals at home 20-17 in Week 14 a year ago and I like them to get another narrow home win in this contest as part of a regular season split. Win. 2-1
Week 4 vs. Cincinnati
While I’m expecting the Cincinnati Bengals to surprise in 2018, I’m going with Atlanta for the narrow win in this Week 4 matchup because they’re at home. Win. 3-1
Week 5 at Pittsburgh
Big Ben vs. Matt Ryan. Julio Jones vs. Antonio Brown. This one has all the makings of a memorable matchup, but I’m thinking Pittsburgh gets the narrow win in a flat-out thriller simply because they’re at home. Loss. 3-2
Week 6 vs. Tampa Bay
The Falcons swept the Bucs last season and won at home 34-20 in Week 12. I’m expecting another spanking for Tampa Bay in this contest. Win. 4-2
Week 7 vs. NY Giants
With new head coach Pat Shurmur calling the shots and an electrifying star just waiting to explode in rookie running back Saquon Barkley, the Giants won’t be nearly as bad as they were a year ago when they went 3-13. Still, they won’t be good enough to beat the Falcons in this Week 7 matchup either. Win. 5-2
Week 8 Bye
Week 9 at Washington
This could be a tricky matchup, but I think the bye week helps the Falcons overcome a Washington team that looks like they will be mediocre at best in what could be Jay Gruden’s final season at the helm. Win. 6-2
Week 10 at Cleveland
Like the Giants, the Browns are most definitely going to be better than they were a year ago. Still, they won’t be good enough to beat a Falcons team with legitimate Super Bowl hopes! Win. 7-2
Week 11 vs. Dallas
Dallas senseless in their 27-7 Week 10 win last season and they’ll get another win over the Boys in this contest, although it will be a bit closer. Win. 8-2
Week 12 at New Orleans
The Falcons fell in the Big Easy 23-13 in Week 16 a year ago and I expect another loss to the Saints in this Week 12 matchup. Loss. 8-3
Week 13 vs. Baltimore
I just can’t bring myself to trust Joe Flacco – like ever! Win. 9-3
Week 14 at Green Bay
Nobody goes into Green Bay at this late juncture and gets a win on the frozen tundra. Loss 9-4
Week 15 vs. Arizona
The Cardinals are a team in transition with a new head coach and new starting quarterback, whether it’s veteran Sam Bradford or rookie Josh Rosen. Win. 10-4
Week 16 at Carolina
The Falcons lost to the Panthers 22-10 in Carolina last year and this Week 16 road date will result in another road loss as part of their regular season split with their NFC South division rivals. Loss. 10-5
Week 17 at Tampa Bay
Break out the brooms, the Falcons get the regular season sweep over Jameis Winston and company in this one. Win. 11-5
