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The Falcons began the 2024 season with promise. The team brought in veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins on a big money free agent deal. But they also took rookie Michael Penix, Jr., at the No. 8 overall pick. After 14 games, the Falcons were 7-7. They send Cousins to the bench and turned things over to Penix. The team finished 8-9 and missed the playoffs. Now, it’s Penix’s time to shine, but will it be a step up for the Falcons? Let’s dive in.

Off-Season Changes

The Falcons had a relatively quiet off-season, especially when it concerns big pieces on offense. But the team did see receiver Rondale Moore depart for Minnesota, while center Drew Dalman left for the Chicago Bears. Defensive lineman Grady Jarrett left for the Bears, too, while Eddie Goldman left for the Washington Commanders. Safety Richie Grant went to the 49ers.

The team also added some pieces on defense, signing pass rusher Leonard Floyd and cornerbacks Keith Taylor and Michael Ford. In the draft, the team added Jalon Walker and James Pearce, Jr. as a pair of First-Round pass rushers. They Falcons also added safety Xavier Watts in the Third Round.

Fantasy Impact

At quarterback, Cousins is still on the roster, but Penix is the starter. Penix finished as QB17 during his three starts in 2024. I think he’s still a QB2 in 2025. In the backfield, the Falcons have a great one in Bijan Robinson. He finished as RB3 in 2024 and is a lock for a Top 5 finish again as long as he’s healthy. Tyler Allgeier is a great handcuff and No. 2 back. He doesn’t have consistent week-to-week value, but he’s an RB4/Flex for me.

In the passing game, Drake London broke out in a big way in 2024. He finished as WR5. I like London as a WR1 again in 2025. Darnell Mooney had a strong 2024, too, finishing as WR31. He’s dealing with an injury right now that could hamper his early season. He’s a high-end WR4 for me. The big question is Kyle Pitts. He’s not had 1,000 yards since his rookie season, He’s also finished in the TE2 range the past few seasons. Could this fifth year be his time to shine? I think there’s some upside. I have him as a low-end TE1, high-end TE2.

The Bottom Line

The Falcons had some moments in 2024 but they ultimately fell short, again. They also fell short of .500. Can they be better in 2025? I suspect there is still work to be done on defense and there will be a learning curve for Penix. I think the Falcons will be about the same in 2025, finishing with between seven and nine wins, out of the playoffs.

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.