How the Falcons will go 12-4 and reclaim the NFC South title
There'll be a new champion of the NFC South this season. (AJC photo by Curtis Compton)
I think the Falcons will be really good, Super Bowl good. Maybe that makes me a raging homer. Or maybe it means I see a team that has won 23 games the past two years and is poised to break upward. While you’re discussing among yourselves, I’ll tell you how this regular season will go.
Sept. 9, at Kansas City: The Chiefs aren’t bad, but this will be a coming-out party for Dirk Koetter’s new offense. Expect Matt Ryan to throw 35 passes. Expect Julio Jones to catch 10 of them, three for touchdowns. Falcons 28, Chiefs 20.
Sept. 17, Denver: It’s a Monday night game, and the Falcons haven’t done so well in those. Peyton Manning now plays for the Broncos, but this will serve as a prime-time showcase for the other starting quarterback. Falcons 30, Broncos 17.
Sept. 23, at San Diego: Here’s where the issue of logistics rears its head. The Falcons face a short week against a West Coast team that opens 2012 with a point to prove. Shootout time in San Dog (old naval term). Chargers 34, Falcons 30.
Sept. 30, Carolina: Some see the Panthers as the rising power in the NFC South. Maybe so, but this is one division rival the Falcons have come to own. They’re 6-2 against Carolina under Mike Smith, 4-0 since 2009. Falcons 27, Panthers 17.
Oct. 7, at Washington: Will Robert Griffin III be starting by now? Will D.C. be more abuzz over the Redskins or the Nationals? Will the Falcons lose to a rookie quarterback? The last question is by far the easiest. Falcons 24, Redskins 17.
Oct. 14, Oakland: The pre-bye part of the schedule has been challenging (K.C. and S.D. on the road) but not oppressive, and Oakland at the Dome shouldn’t be too troubling. But the schedule is about to toughen. Falcons 35, Raiders 14.
Oct. 28, at Philadelphia: The roughest stretch of the season commences here. Michael Vick, who used to play for the Falcons, has said the Eagles could become a dynasty. They won’t, but they will win this game. Eagles 28, Falcons 24.
Nov. 4, Dallas: A Sunday-nighter against America’s Team will be the season’s pivot point. With a date at New Orleans upcoming, this could become a losing streak. But Mike Smith’s teams don’t have losing streaks. Falcons 27, Cowboys 17.
Nov. 11, at New Orleans: By now, the Saints will have interim coach Joe Vitt back. And yes, it’s more than a little weird that the interim coach has been suspended by the NFL. But Sean Payton still won’t be around. Falcons 31, Saints 30.
Nov. 18, Arizona: Trap game here. The Falcons are 7-2 and flying high off that narrow victory in Superdome, and Arizona is nicely suited as a stealth opponent. Consider this the season’s first real misstep. Cardinals 21, Falcons 17.
Nov. 25, at Tampa Bay: With that egregious home upset out of their system, the Falcons take on the Buccaneers, who figure again to run last in the NFC South. A rudimentary road victory ensues. Falcons 30, Buccaneers 13.
Nov. 29, New Orleans: A Thursday night date against the team that keeps embarrassing the Falcons on national TV. That pent-up frustration yields a second victory over their nemesis in 18 days. Falcons 24, Saints 23.
Dec. 9, at Carolina: With 10 days to prepare, the Falcons will manage to overcome the torpor that undid them after their first victory over New Orleans. Still won’t be easy, though. Falcons 27, Panthers 24 (overtime).
Dec. 16, New York Giants: The memory of the wretched 24-2 playoff loss in the Meadowlands burns, and this is yet another chance for the surging Falcons to prove their bona fides. Falcons 30, Giants 28.
Dec. 22, at Detroit: And now a Saturday night game. (For the record, the Falcons will not play on Tuesday, Wednesday or Friday this season.) And another loss seems in order, don’t you think? Lions 30, Falcons 24.
Dec. 29, Tampa Bay: The NFC South having already been won, the Falcons are playing for positioning now. They finish 12-4 and secure the NFC’s No. 2 seed (behind Green Bay) in rousing fashion. Falcons 35, Buccaneers 10.
By Mark Bradley
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196 comments Add your comment
juice sourcer
August 23rd, 2012
10:50 pm
They will not go undefeated in the division…bet the farm on that.
Ken
August 23rd, 2012
10:56 pm
Hi Mark, I sure hope you are right. It sure would be nice to kick the cheating Aints in thier ars twice this season and win a Super Bowl..:)
Rick
August 23rd, 2012
10:58 pm
Iove AINTS fans. One ring and they think they are suddenly god. Guess why? Your man brees broke a huge record last year and what did it get you? NOTHING!!! Stop trolling our sights and go complain about Katrina some more.
mama juggs
August 23rd, 2012
11:02 pm
Ain’t gonna happen, dude. 8-8, if they’re lucky.
Blake
August 23rd, 2012
11:09 pm
@Matt “CHOKE” Ryan…go choke on a philly cheese steak…. and what In the hell are you doing on a Falcons blog anyway?…are you afraid we may stomp a mudhole In Vicks backside,,,,sounds like to me It gets you hot under the collar when you feel Matt Ryan chokes…get a life and go chase an Eagles cheerleader….
Gab the Fierce
August 23rd, 2012
11:09 pm
Why don’t all these Saints lovers go back to New Orleans and post their lovey doveyness in the Times-Picayune.
This is OUR house and if you don’t like it then go back to New Orleans and get a job there.
Blake
August 23rd, 2012
11:26 pm
@Matt “CHOKE” Ryan…BTW….Matt may not have the arm of some QB’s but He will show consistency this year that Vick has never shown. He’s smart and consistent at throwing accurate passes!
Heavyweight Champion of the Earl
August 23rd, 2012
11:42 pm
The only way the Atlanta Falcons win a championship, is if they join the Sun Belt Conference.
Heavyweight Champion of the Earl
August 23rd, 2012
11:44 pm
Falcons losses:
At least 1 to Carolina.
Swept by the Saints.
Lose to the Giants.
Lose to Vick and the Eagles.
And another loss to either the Broncos or the Chargers.
steve
August 24th, 2012
12:05 am
Dude seriously, what were you smoking? maybe 4-12 is where i see them
Falcon James
August 24th, 2012
12:05 am
Mark is pretty much on the money except for two glaring points. He got the Falcons and Saint being close games. I bet my old yard dog that the games will not be close. The Falcon will pound the Saint like the red head step child they are. Falcon by 17 in boths games. Remember, you heard it first here!
vealreal
August 24th, 2012
12:08 am
falcons—13-3, win the NFC—take it to the bank. Ryan and the offense will explode this year! Falcons v. Ravens in the super bowl!
realitycheck
August 24th, 2012
12:12 am
This team isn’t that good………it’s no more complicated than that! Oddsmakers have them not even making the playoffs…….which is a distinct possibility. No one outside of the homer flavored AJC would be surprised at all. A whole lot of disappointment ahead this season for the kool aid drinkers!
FlyHighFalcon
August 24th, 2012
12:23 am
We will not lose to Cardinals or Chargers. 13-3. We split with the Aints.
FLDude
August 24th, 2012
12:29 am
Dream on dirty bird fans. Geaux Saints!!
DR. FALCON
August 24th, 2012
12:35 am
I’LL TAKE 12-4! ALTHOUGH, IT’S PUZZLING HOW YOU WOULD THINK THAT WE WOULD COLLAPSE, AGAINST A SORRY-ASS ARIZONA TEAM! WOW! I THINK, WE WILL SPLIT WITH THE SAINTS. REPLACE THAT CARDINALS LOSS, WITH A ROAD LOSS TO THE SAINTS! LOSING TO KEVIN KOLB, OR JOHN SKELTON? ARE YOU KIDDING ME?
DR. FALCON
August 24th, 2012
12:45 am
C,MON MARK! I CAN’T LET IT GO! A HOME LOSS TO THE CARDINALS? DAMN! MOST OF YOUR READERS, ARE HALF WAY INTELLIGENT! AND, YOU JUST INSULTED US! REALLY? IF THAT GAME WAS ON THE ROAD, I MIGHT GO WITH THAT LOSS, BUT, AT HOME? YOU HAVE TO COME STRONGER THAN THIS!!!
JSS
August 24th, 2012
1:15 am
Paul in NH (formerly of the RDU)…
I still haven’t stopped laughing!
What’s going to happen with Clint Dempsey @ Fulham?
Chop Chop
August 24th, 2012
2:13 am
Can’t imagine beating the Saints twice. I think the Falcons will go 10-6 and win a playoff game or two. That’s good enough for me.
Chop Chop
August 24th, 2012
2:13 am
For now, anyway.
dreamer
August 24th, 2012
2:46 am
what’s n that pipe ur smoking
Stepchild
August 24th, 2012
2:47 am
Puff puff…give!
Stepchild
August 24th, 2012
2:55 am
Uh…it’s interesting that in the losses that Mark believes they will only lose by 4pts except to the Lions who win big by 6 whole points!!! With that Swiss cheese defense??? Somebody will have a big day on them…..like Cam or Brees or the Manning boys. They scored 2pts in the playoffs mark. They are running new schemes with a shaky MLB….puff puff give….man!!!
need for speed
August 24th, 2012
5:31 am
The defense will be the weakness, they absolutly sucked against the pass and had no pass rush last year. I dont see any reason to think this season will be any better for them.
Falcon's Soar 12-4
August 24th, 2012
6:24 am
Michael Vick
August 23rd, 2012
5:38 pm
Jeff, let me school you again. Only me and mora can get it (playoff victory) done.
_____________________________________________
Who’s Jeff?
TommyP
August 24th, 2012
6:25 am
I agree with you on the end-product but I’m pretty sure one of the losses won’t be against AZ at home. They’ll be one of the NFL’s worst this year. Matt Ryan explodes this year.
And RGIII will start from Game 1.
Matt Ryan breaks out
TommyP
August 24th, 2012
6:26 am
http://www.toptierfootball.com/mattryan.html
Sid
August 24th, 2012
6:32 am
handsome ed August 23rd, 2012 8:10 pm
Coaching- Malarky was better than the blame he was given.
********************************************************
No he wasn’t.
Sid
August 24th, 2012
6:35 am
Nite Owl August 23rd, 2012 7:32 pm
The Saints’ Super Bowl season is fading further and further away…no one remembers and no one cares……then the Saints will have NOTHING.
Your 15 minutes are up, Saints fans! It’s our time now. Step aside.
******************************************************
Your post was worthy of re-posting………..!!!
Ken
August 24th, 2012
6:44 am
Mark I agree with your prediction Falcons will go 12-4 win the NFC South and go to the SUPERBOWL!!! I will say it here first THE FALCONS WILL WIN THE SUPERBOWL in of all places the home of our chief rival oh how sweet it is going to be!!
Sid
August 24th, 2012
6:48 am
juice sourcer August 23rd, 2012 10:47 pm
They split with New Orleans and Carolina..10-6….
*****************************************************************
Carolina is gonna surprise some folks, there very well could be a split there. But the Aints, not gonna happen.
Falcons go undefeated in November!
Biscuit
August 24th, 2012
6:50 am
Schedule is way too tough with a weak OL–Ryan will be scrambling every game. We will NOT lose to a qbless Cardinal team at home. Sorry fans–we will not make the playoffs this year as schedule is way too tough for the dirty birds. Will be lucky to hit 9-7 and that wont make the dance–
Peter
August 24th, 2012
7:16 am
Pretty optimistic for a team the boys in Vegas to go 9-7… plus they are weak at back ups in most positions…..there better be zero injury’s Mark.
Michael Vick
August 24th, 2012
7:25 am
Hey Matt Choke Ryan. I see your agenda with the name you have, but hey, Ryan will get a playoff and he also has what back to back to back. Hell, I couldn’t even get back to back.
I suck, but idiots like you and the monkeys in Clayton who elected a sheriff with 37 pending felonies will follow me because I am black. We love to exploit your ignorance.
mark the shark
August 24th, 2012
7:34 am
How can the Falcons finish at a wondrous 12-4 when their running game is ancient, pass defense near non-existent, and pass rush one of the worst in the league? Despite Matt Ryan’s splendid receivers, the lack of a top notch rusher and stellar defense will cause their record to be W-L 8-8.
Julio's Fan
August 24th, 2012
7:35 am
I would trade the Arizona result with the Giants one… I would love to beat the Giants after last season but I think teir front four will still beat us… And Arizona beating us seems almost impossible since their only weapon on offense can’t play because his QB’s can’t throw him the ball because the O-Line can’t protect for more than half a second… I like the 14-2 and being the N.2 seed, we’ll probably play the Giants again but this time the result will be different! Go Falcons!!
mark the shark
August 24th, 2012
7:39 am
With little pash rush, weak secondary, and no big time running attack, the Falcons will probably finish 8-8, DESPITE Ryan’s having a stellar receiving corps. Gotta have defense or you’re cooked!
Reebok
August 24th, 2012
7:49 am
The Falcons have some flashy players but they are weak on both lines. Figure 9-7 or 10-6, get into the playoffs as a wild card, lose in the first round again.
I'm Lance Armstrong
August 24th, 2012
7:55 am
I never quit except when I know I’ll lose. I sued to stop the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency from going forward and that suit was rejected Monday.
The fact is, I don’t want you to see the evidence that the USADA has against me, including 10 of my fellow TEAM members and this would have come out shortly.
And I have failed a drug test. Google 60 minutes Armstrong failed test.
dawg tired
August 24th, 2012
7:57 am
Mark,
You forgot to list who the Falcons lose to in the first round of the playoffs.
Larry
August 24th, 2012
8:03 am
11-5 and most likely less if Sam Baker is still our starting left tackle by December.
Adam
August 24th, 2012
8:06 am
How do you expect anyone to take this seriously when you are such a blatant homer? 6-0 against NFC South teams this year. Falcons are going to be good, but I don’t see how they sweep the division. I’ll give you 10-6 because I can see them splitting with Saints and Panthers because the Panthers are on the rise and the Saints still have Brees. The Falcons have a tough schedule and I think 10-6 is more realistic and would be a good record giving the schedule.
woeismesince66
August 24th, 2012
8:21 am
I believe the d-line will be pretty good, with Jerry playing better and getting Peters back from injury.
Turner will get his yards if the o-line steps up and does their job. Ryan will have a great year barring
injury. If everything works the Falcons can have a very good season. If any of the team fails, it could be a tough year. So as it is said about Murphys law, anything that can will happen will happen.
That is where anything concerning the Falcons.
Why don’t these buzzard bait saint fans stay off herer? Get a life!!!!!!
TROTTINGHOME
August 24th, 2012
8:38 am
I desk topped this crystal ball hokis pokis…let’s hope it works better than playing the lottery
Flacons never learn
August 24th, 2012
8:46 am
Flacons never learn Your comment is awaiting moderation.
August 23rd, 2012
10:22 pm
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
12 – 4?
R U nutz Bradly? You stand a beter cahnce of geting hansome!
LOLOLOLOLOLO!!!!!!!!
What is that all abut?
DK
August 24th, 2012
8:47 am
Mark, so you see us beating last year’s Super Bowl Champion Giants and last year’s division winning Saints twice, but losing to the Chargers, the Eagles, and the Cardinals? (seriously, the Cardinals? Do you watch the games?)
All I can say is to that is smoking crack is illegal. Not only that, but it’s dangerous to your health and can seriously endanger your career. Stop now and seek treatment immediately. I’m sure the insurance at the AJC is good and probably includes substance abuse treatment.
2012 Falcons – 14 – 2 (two losses out of the four games involving the Saints, Giants, and the Lions)
Flacons never learn
August 24th, 2012
8:47 am
Im being sensored B cuz I disagre with the blogger and speek the truth!
BOOOOOOO 2 YOU Bradey!
Geaux Saints
August 24th, 2012
8:50 am
LOL, are you serious? LOL reclaim the NFC South? LOL not as long as the Saints are in the NFC that aint gonna happen. LOL
SirReal
August 24th, 2012
8:51 am
@DawgNole Well sir, I’m not speaking the Cowardly Braves who were run by Sp.Ed. Turner for years. I’m not talking about the Hawks run by the Atlanta Spiritless Group. I’m talking FOOTBALL here sir. We have an owner who’s actually trying to change the culture vs. the Smiths who only cared about trying to fill seats by acquiring stars often in the twilight of their careers. Chris Doleman ring a bell? What about Eric Dickerson? The list goes on. What I’m saying is that we should embrace the new era. What about how no one shows up until damn near the 2nd quarter? Come on man. You sound silly.
15 Minutes from Dem Hedges
August 24th, 2012
8:53 am
I see 10-6…with a questionable offensive line and a middle linebacker coming off a concussion, 12-4 is a bit of a stretch…and the G-Men don’t care about whether they’re on the road or not…Here are the Dirty Birds’ 6 losses…
1-Philly, 2-Dallas, 3-NOLA, 4-TBay, 5-CPanthers, 6-G-Men…Philly and Frisco in NFC Championship and the winner plays my Bills in SB 47…count on it !!!…