The 2-0 Atlanta Falcons check in at 18th on ESPN's Football Power Index, which paradoxically rates their playoff chances at 75.3 percent, the fifth-highest in the NFL. The 75.3 figure sounds absurd if you've paid attention to the roster atrophy that has left Matt Ryan and Julio Jones to fend for themselves over the past couple seasons. But when taking into account schedules and Drew Brees' injury within the NFC South, an opening is certainly there for the Falcons to reach the postseason in Dan Quinn's debut season as head coach.

Here, we consider what the Falcons have going for them both on and off the field, backed by insights from a veteran NFL coach who has analyzed them. Also, we'll take a run around the league heading toward Week 3, with early reads on Indianapolis, where the tension is palpable, and Philadelphia, where the quarterback doesn't look right.

The Falcons as favorites