The Atlanta Falcons are ranked No. 18 in ESPN's Football Power Index ahead of the 2020 NFL season. With no preseason games this year amid the coronavirus pandemic, Week 1 is the first time we'll see new acquisitions and rookies for every team. Week 1 will also give us the first NFL games since Super Bowl LIV in February.
Here's everything you need to know about the Falcons heading into the season, from the big question to answer and the toughest stretch on their schedule to a bold prediction and potential breakout fantasy football stars.
Full schedule | Roster | Depth chart
The big question: How much will the Falcons get out of Todd Gurley?
Once one of the most dynamic forces in the NFL, Gurley is now a question mark because of questions about the health of his left knee. Offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter told ESPN he believes a healthy Gurley could see 15 to 25 touches per game. If Gurley can be a red zone scoring threat and provide a little juice in the run game, it could mean the world to a pass-heavy offense dependent on play action. -- Vaughn McClure
How the pandemic has most affected the Falcons
The Falcons weren't able to get likely rookie starters A.J. Terrell and Matt Hennessy immediately up to speed with no OTAs, minicamp or preseason games. While the first-rounder Terrell looks ready to contribute immediately at corner, it might take third-rounder Hennessy, the projected left guard, a tad longer to get in unison with the entire offensive line. Second-round defensive lineman Marlon Davidson is in the same predicament but might not face the same pressure to produce immediately because of the deep defensive line rotation. -- McClure
Football Power Index projections for the Falcons
Overall ranking: 18
Offensive ranking: 12
Defensive ranking: 23
Special teams ranking: 14
Total wins: 7.5
NFC South title chances: 9.8%
Chances to make playoffs: 30.9%
Super Bowl chances: 0.6%
2021 draft pick: No. 13
Inside the Falcons' schedule
FPI's strength of schedule rank: 4
Toughest stretch: The first quarter of the season, with the season opener at home against the Seahawks and road games at Green Bay and Dallas, could tell a lot about which direction the Falcons are headed in 2020. Remember, they got off to a disastrous 1-7 start last season that ruined the year. The Falcons have to start fast, relying on a high-powered offense and a defense that should be more capable of pressuring quarterbacks and creating turnovers.
Over or under 7.5 wins? Over. The Falcons could win nine games in a must-win season for coach Dan Quinn, but that might not be enough. It wouldn't be a surprise to see the Falcons finish a respectable 9-7 but still be behind both New Orleans and Tampa Bay in the NFC South. -- McClure
Bold prediction for 2020: Both Julio Jones and Calvin Ridley will surpass 1,500 yards receiving
As much as the Falcons talk about running the ball, Jones and Ridley are too talented not to throw to constantly. Matt Ryan knows that and he's going to let his top two receivers make plays, maybe even more down the field or with more chances for yards after the catch. -- McClure
Breakout fantasy star: Hayden Hurst, TE
A first-round pick by Baltimore back in 2018, Hurst played a complementary role during his first two NFL seasons, but will finally get a chance to shine as an every-down player in Atlanta this season. Hurst is, of course, replacing Austin Hooper, who signed with the Browns during the offseason. Operating in the same role as the one Hurst will play in 2020, Hooper was actually leading all tight ends in fantasy points prior to an injury last season. Hurst has top-five upside. -- Mike Clay
ADP for the top players:
Julio Jones: 17.7
Todd Gurley: 36.7
Calvin Ridley: 44.9
Matt Ryan: 91.6
Hayden Hurst: 121
The view from Vegas
Super Bowl odds: 60-1 (opened 55-1)
Over/under: 7.5
Playoff odds: Yes +200, No -240
The Falcons, at 60-1, have their longest preseason odds since being 80-1 prior to the 2016 season. That year, they won the NFC at 40-1 and were minutes away from cashing those 80-1 tickets. -- ESPN Chalk staff
Odds courtesy of Caesars Sportsbook by William Hill as of Sept. 1.
Where the Falcons landed in NFL Rank
No. 13: Julio Jones
No. 37: Matt Ryan
No. 86: Grady Jarrett