The 2023 NFL Season is here, and the Music City Drive In is getting you ready. Check back each day from now until September 3 as we look at each team and make award and playoff predictions. Agree? Disagree? Let us know in the comments.

The Falcons started the 2022 season strong. For a while, it looked like the Falcons might even come away with the NFC South title. But as quickly as they jumped to the front, the Falcons faded. By the end, the team finished 7-10 but technically last place in the division. The question is whether the Falcons can do better in 2023.

Off-Season Changes

Last season, veteran Marcus Mariota was the starter at the outset. He was displaced by Desmond Ridder for the final four games, and Mariota departed in the off-season, signing on to be the backup to Jalen Hurts in Philadelphia.

But, for the most part, the Falcons added pieces this off-season. That included some veterans on defense, where the team added safety Jessie Bates, linebacker Bud Dupree and pass rusher Calais Campbell. Offensively, the team added veteran quarterback Taylor Heinicke and veteran receivers Mack Hollins and Scotty Miller.

In the draft, the Falcons made an even bigger splash. The team used its First-Round pick to snag Texans running back Bijan Robinson. In three seasons, Robinson rushed for 3,410 yards and 33 touchdowns. He figures to be a massive weapon for the young Falcons’ offense.

Fantasy Impact

At quarterback, it seems that it’s Ridder’s season. Ridder was QB22 over that time. With a full season, this is his chance to take a step forward. If he can’t, Heinicke provides veteran depth. I like Ridder as a QB2. I think he’ll take the job and run with it this season.

In the backfield, the Falcons have an embarrassment of riches. Robinson was the top draft pick, but second-year back Tyler Allgeier rushed for more than 1,000 yards as a rookie. The team also has veteran Cordarrelle Patterson. I suspect Robinson will be the starter and get a lion’s share of the work. I like Robinson as a potential RB1. Allgeier becomes a great depth piece, but probably no better than an RB4. Patterson isn’t a player I’m drafting right now.

In the passing game, the Falcons have two more First-Round picks from the past two drafts in receiver Drake London (2022) and tight end Kyle Pitts (2021). I like London as a WR2. Pitts struggled with injury last season, but heading into year three he feels poised to break out. I like him as a low-end TE1. Beside them, Hollins is an interesting addition. He was WR46 for the Raiders a year ago. I think he could return WR4 value.

Prediction

The Falcons showed flashes early but struggled late. They were the fourth-place team. Each year a team goes from worst to first, and this year my money is on the Falcons. They have the pieces to compete. It likely won’t be a dominant season, but I like them to get to nine wins and take the NFC South.

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.