Last Updated on July 13, 2010 7:30 pm by Anthony Rome
Falcons 2010 Odds
The Atlanta Falcons have a talented young core of players, but do they have enough to be legit Super Bowl contenders in 2010?
With the core of Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, Roddy White and Tony Gonzalez coming back for another season under offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey, the Falcons are expecting big things in 2010.
Ryan won the offensive rookie of the year in 2008, although he took a small step backwards in 2009 while battling inconsistent play and nagging injuries toward the end of the year. Turner and White were also hamstrung by injuries, although White was able to play in all 16 games. (Turner wasn’t as fortunate, as he missed several games down the stretch.)
Assuming those players stay healthy for the entire year, Atlanta is a legit postseason contender. But it’ll be the play of a young defense that will determine whether or not the Falcons will make a deep run in the playoffs and possibly at a Super Bowl berth.
The Falcons spent big this offseason when they signed former Texan cornerback Dunta Robinson. He’ll join John Abraham, Jonathan Babineaux and emerging star Curtis Lofton as the core of the defense, although the Falcons also expect young players like first round pick Sean Weatherspoon, 2009 first rounder Peria Jerry and rising star Thomas DeCoud to contribute this season as well.
Oddsmakers from online sports book Sportsbook.com currently list the Falcons as 30/1 long shots to win the 2011 Super Bowl. They’re also 13/1 to win the NFC and are +200 on the moneyline to win the NFC South Division.
As previously noted, if Ryan, Turner, White and Gonzalez stay healthy, the Falcons will contend for a playoff spot this season. The problem is that they play in the same division as the defending Super Bowl champion Saints and must rely on a young defense to keep them in the hunt all season. Still, at 30/1 the Falcons offer tremendous value and could offer bettors a huge payday if they’re willing to take the risk.
2011 Super Bowl Odds: Atlanta Falcons 30/1
Odds to win the NFC: Atlanta Falcons 13/1
Odds to win the NFC South: Atlanta Falcons +200
NFL Season Win Totals: Atlanta Falcons O/U 9
Posted: 7/13/10 7:30PM ET