2007 Record: 4-12 (3-5 H, 1-7 A)
2007 Against the Spread: 8-8 (3-5- H, 5-3 A); 9-7 vs. Total (6-2 H, 3-5 A)
2007 Rankings: 23rd Offense (26th Rush, 18th Pass); 29th Defense (26th Rush, 23rd Pass)
2008 Odds: 200-1 Super Bowl odds, 100-1 NFC Championship odds,25-1 NFC South odds, 5 wins (O/U)

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Coach Mike Smith, who comes from the Jacksonville Jaguars, believes in defense, building the line and having an intelligent quarterback. He seems to have done better in all of these fronts and although many feel that this Falcons team is going to be horrible and non-productive this year, I believe they will pleasantly surprise. In fact, I think this Falcons team will be ATS gems this entire football season. Remember, the Jaguars were a scrub team as well when Del Rio took over and he had Smith by his side as he significantly turned them around into a winning franchise. This team built itself on defense and brought unknown players to fame. Smith got out the riffraff--those with attitudes that were not conducive to the team spirit--and has brought in under the radar players with great potential. Furthermore, as the Atlanta Journal Constitution has reported, he has conditioned the hell out of his players.

Sure, the Falcons will be bad, but I think they surprise folks as, remember, this team can only go up from last year. In particular, much of the reason for their surprising showing this year will be a defensive will getter after it. The Falcons had the 2nd worst disparity in net points last year as only the Rams were worse. The Falcons had an unbelievable glaring point disparity of -155 last year. Another area the Falcons will get drastically better in is the running game. Atlanta was 26th in the league in rushing last year and that will starkly improve behind Michael Turner and Jerious Norwood. By the way, if you have a chance to pick up Turner in your fantasy league, jump on it. He's going to be a brilliant back that is going to finally have the ability to show his skills without being in the shadow of LaDainian Tomlinson.

Coach Smith believes in a strong running game, passing out of the backfield and quick slants to catch defensive backs off guard. All of this will be made available by a productive running game that will make play action effective. Furthermore, the running game will also allow the Falcons to show off Ryan's arm by taking shots down field when the opportunity presents itself.

So, what can we expect from these Falcons? I expect plenty of surprises as this team should win several games outright at home. After all, this team has nothing to lose and frankly, they are dangerous for that reason alone. Imagine yourself being a part of a young crop of players that have little to no expectations and consequently having a chip on your shoulder because of that. It simply makes you dangerous as you head out on to the field with a sense to create havoc in the division and are able to take chances without worry. After all, no one expects this team to make it to the playoffs, Smith has several years to rebuild this team and consequently Smith will make aggressive play calls. I expect the Falcons to improve drastically on defense this year, be able to run the ball effectively, control the clock and in essence, be a poor man's Tampa Bay Bucs.

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I'm willing to bet they are going to surprise many by winning six ballgames this year and once again, this team will have several big outright home victories.

2008 Atlanta Falcons Predictions: 6-10, ATS Prediction: Home Covers.

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