This will be Blogging Dirty’s preliminary look into the Atlanta Falcons 2018 season. After training camp and preseason we will release an updated article with our locked in predictions.

1st Quarter of the Season

Week 1. Atlanta Falcons at the Philadelphia Eagles

The Falcons week one matchup against the Eagles seems like the best chance to dethrone the Super Bowl champs from their status as the NFL’s best team. Atlanta will more likely than not be playing against the Eagles backup quarterback Nick Foles, as Carson Wentz should still be rehabbing his knee. I predict a close game, but ultimately have the Falcons taking the win.

24-23 Falcons

Week 2. Atlanta Falcons vs. the Carolina Panthers

In Week 2, the Carolina Panthers will be traveling to Atlanta to face off against the Falcons high-powered offense. This game will be critical for the Panthers as they need to see if quarterback Cam Newton can have a bounce-back season under the tutelage of offensive coordinator Norv Turner. If the Panthers can establish the run early and score fast in the 1st quarter, this very well could be a game the Panthers steal on the road. However, I foresee Newton struggling to adjust to Turner’s offense and the Falcons being in control the entire game.

31-17 Falcons

Week 3. Atlanta Falcons vs. the New Orleans Saints

The New Orleans Saints are a talented squad led by veteran quarterback Drew Brees. The Saints are loaded on offense with weapons like receiver Michael Thomas, running backs Alvin Kamara and Mark Ingram. Additionally, the Saints have a defense that last year played well as a squad despite not having what you would call an elite defender. I expect the Falcons to split the season series with the Saints as both teams are Super Bowl contenders. I’ll go with the Falcons here simply because they’re hosting.

21-17 Falcons

Week 4. Atlanta Falcons vs. the Cincinnati Bengals

This season, the Falcons will be playing all four teams from the AFC North. In Week 4, the Cincinnati Bengals will be on the road against the Falcons. This seems like an easy win for Atlanta as the Bengals are one bad season away from a regime change. Bengals Head Coach Marvin Lewis is one of the game’s best ambassadors but this Bengals squad simply doesn’t have the talent on either side of the ball to keep up with the NFL’s best offense.

31-10 Falcons

Through the first four games, the Falcons have a strong chance of going 4-0.