The Atlanta Falcons are coming off back-to-back 7-9 seasons, and owner Arthur Blank has said that making the playoffs is his expectation. The Falcons finished strong last season -- going 6-2 over the final eight games after starting the year with a 1-7 record, which likely saved Dan Quinn's job. They will need to rely on an offense led by one-time MVP Matt Ryan and perennial Pro Bowl receiver Julio Jones. They will cut their roster to 53 players by 4 p.m. ET on Saturday. Here's a projection:
QUARTERBACK (2): Matt Ryan, Matt Schaub
Ryan, 35, seems to be taking all the right steps to ensure his body is right, including running 50-yard sprints with Schaub after practices. He relies on his accuracy, having completed 67 percent of his passes of 15 air yards or less through his career. Schaub, 39, threw some interceptions during training camp but remains a capable backup in an emergency situation based on his veteran knowledge.