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Atlanta Falcons
Overall: 54
Title track: 78
Ownership: 45
Coaching: 47
Players: 64
Fan relations: 46
Affordability: 49
Stadium experience: 73
Bang for the buck: 62
Change from last year: +6
The Falcons are in the middle of the pack, and understandably so. They were riding a high just a few years ago when they made it to the NFC Championship Game, losing to the San Francisco 49ers. But now, they've gone three consecutive seasons without making the playoffs, leaving the fan base scratching its head. There's still hope -- this team boasts one of the league's most dominant receivers in Julio Jones, talented running backs in Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman, and a capable quarterback in Matt Ryan. But until the Falcons return to the playoffs, they'll be mired in mediocrity.
What's good
The Falcons' highest ranking came in ownership (45), and credit Arthur Blank for at least putting forth the effort to not only satisfy the fan base, but also to help the community. Blank made a strong appeal to the fans by making concession prices at the new stadium the lowest of any sports franchise. And through his foundation, he continues to contribute to building up the lower-income areas in the direct vicinity of the stadium via Westside Works. And from a team perspective, Blank has been willing to invest in hefty contracts for his top players, with $59 million guaranteed for Ryan and $47 million guaranteed for Jones.
What's bad
The Falcons have never won a Super Bowl, so no surprise: A disappointing title track ranking (78) is their worst showing. Atlanta last made it to a Super Bowl during the 1998 season, when the Falcons lost to the Denver Broncos 34-19. And their trek back to the Super Bowl won't be easy -- the Carolina Panthers and upstart Tampa Bay Buccaneers are contenders within their own division. The Falcons' other poor showing -- a 73rd-place ranking in stadium experience -- should be solved next year, when Blank has the Falcons moving from the Georgia Dome to the $1.5 billion Mercedes-Benz Stadium for the 2017 season -- a state-of-the-art facility which will be among the league's best.
What's new
The jury is still out on head coach Dan Quinn, now in his second season with the franchise, but he did jump eight spots in these standings, from 53rd to 47th. The former Seahawks defensive coordinator brought energy and passion to the job after taking over for the fired Mike Smith, and his 5-0 start as a rookie coach raised expectations. That just meant his team's collapse and 8-8, playoff-less finish dampened the enthusiasm. Quinn has passion, knows how to relate to players, and has a special way of motivating. If the Falcons remain the top offense in 2016 (479 YPG through Week 4) the defensive-minded Quinn may prove beyond a reasonable doubt his skills a head coach.
Next: Cincinnati Bengals | Full rankings