Considering future wagers on the Atlanta Falcons

It's hard to believe just two and a half years ago the Atlanta Falcons were up 28-3 in the Super Bowl. Since that epic collapse things have been a struggle for the Falcons. Heading into the 2017 regular season, expectations were understandably high on the heels of their Super Bowl run. They made the playoffs but lost first round. Last year the team battled injury after injury on its way to a 7-9 record (and a 5-11 record against the spread).

With the 2019 regular season upon us, what is to be expected of the Falcons?

The 2018 Falcons may have had the worst injury luck of any team in the league. While the offense maintained a semblance of its core, the defense lost all presence down the middle of the field. Starting linebacker and the star of the entire defense, Deion Jones, as well as starting safeties Keanu Neal and Ricardo Allen, all went out for most of the season. With these players all back for 2019, I expect the Falcons to be much tougher defensively than they were in 2018.

Up front, Takkarist McKinley is a young but talented defender that should only improve, and Vic Beasley is in the prime of his career. While there are still some questions at linebacker and in the secondary, with three of their best defensive starters back and a solid foundation up front, there is almost no way that the Falcons' defense doesn't improve from last year.

On the offensive side of the ball, Devonta Freeman will also hopefully maintain better health, and the Falcons have committed their draft picks to improving the offensive line. I've always been a fan of Calvin Ridley, and with Julio Jones ensuring plenty of attention on his side of the field, Ridley will be a difference maker.

Where does that leaves us in terms of betting the Falcons?

I'm obviously high on this team, so there are a number of ways to approach making some future wagers and prop bets.

Over 8.5 regular-season wins looks like an easy winner. There are plenty of winnable games on the schedule, and I won't be surprised if they replicate the Saints' home dominance this year with a high-flying offense. If my predictions about this team come true, however, I think there is more value to be made in some prop bets.

The Saints are big favorites to win the AFC South, but it feels like a two-horse race, and the Falcons are +350, which strikes me as a value. For a team that gets to close the season at home against the Saints, home versus the Panthers, at San Francisco, home against Jacksonville and at Tampa Bay, being within striking distance will have them well positioned for a run down the stretch.

If my prediction on Ridley is to come true, why not take a chance that Ridley leads the league in receiving yards at +7500? Mohamed Sanu is a legitimate third receiver who demands slot coverage, Jones draws double teams and Ridley can reap the rewards. We know that Matt Ryan will pass for a lot of yards, so let's get rich if those yards go to Ridley.

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