have capped off five straight losing seasons, but there’s hope that those middling years are set to be left behind. Bolstered by an influx of talent and playing a fairly soft schedule in a weakened NFC South, the Falcons look ready to make some noise this season.
It all begins with a matchup against the Carolina Panthers (+3.5)
, a team going through their own rebuilding arc after dumping coach Matt Rhule last season. Set to trot out a new, highly-touted rookie quarterback and with a new-look coaching staff, Carolina wants to contend right away, though those dreams will have a tough early test against this Falcons team.