The Atlanta Falcons were one of the biggest surprises in the NFL in 2008 as they went from 4-12 the previous year to 11-5 last season and that included making the playoffs.  Can Atlanta repeat that success in 2009?  The Falcons are given some respect in NFL odds to win Super Bowl XLIV as they are 19-1.

The Falcons are considered one of the most exciting young teams in the NFL.  Head coach Mike Smith did an excellent job last year and most NFL insiders don’t believe the Falcons were a one-hit wonder.   Here is a look at Atlanta as they head into 2009.

The Falcons offense is led by quarterback Matt Ryan who had an excellent rookie season.  Ryan threw for 3,440 yards last season as NFL odds statistics show and he should be even better this season with the addition to tight end Tony Gonzalez who the Falcons got from Kansas City.  The Falcons already have a proven running back in Michael Turner who had 17 touchdowns and some solid receivers including Roddy White who had 1,382 yards receiving last year.  The offensive line is solid and deep and the addition to Jeremy Newberry and Brett Romberg should help.

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The defense for the Falcons is still somewhat of a question mark even though they were 11^th in the league in points allowed last season.  They lose long-time starters Michael Coley and Keith Brooking at linebacker but the addition of Mike Peterson is huge.  Brooking was the leader of the defense and Peterson could step right in and replace him.  The losses of Lawyer Milloy and Grady Jackson might not be as bad since both have seen better days.

The NFL betting Falcons now have a good front office and they addressed their defensive needs in the draft. They took Peria Jerry with their first round pick. Jerry should provide immediate help on the defensive line.  Second round pick William Moore could step right in and see playing time at safety.  They took defensive end Lawrence Sidbury in the fourth round and he could also make an immediate impact.

The Falcons will be hard-pressed to match last season’s 11-5 record even though they might be improved.  Atlanta has a tough schedule which includes games against the NFC East and the AFC East.  A 10-6 record seems more likely and that might be good enough to get them into the playoffs again this season.

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