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2016 NFL Season: Final Record Predictions For All 32 Teams

By Erik Lambert

Sep 20, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterbacks Colin Kaepernick (7) and Blaine Gabbert (2) on the field before playing the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field. The Steelers won 43-18. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 20, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterbacks Colin Kaepernick (7) and Blaine Gabbert (2) on the field before playing the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field. The Steelers won 43-18. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 14, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) calls a play at the line of scrimmage in the fourth quarter of their game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at the Georgia Dome. The Steelers won 27-20. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 14, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) calls a play at the line of scrimmage in the fourth quarter of their game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at the Georgia Dome. The Steelers won 27-20. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

Atlanta Falcons (8-8)

Biggest Strength:  Offensive Line

Ever so quietly, the Falcons have managed to rebuild the line in front of Matt Ryan.  It started with 1st round pick Jake Matthews, followed by underrated right tackle Ryan Schraeder.  Now it’s really starting to come together with the arrival of Pro Bowl center Alex Mack.  Atlanta has locked down the three most important spots on an offensive line and it should show in how the entire offensive performs in 2016.

Biggest Weakness:  Linebackers

Try as they might, the entire linebacking corps for the Falcons defense still looks mediocre.  Brooks Reed is their best option and he’s never been more than just a good player.  Courtney Upshaw is a quality run defender but a liability in coverage and as a pass rusher while Deion Jones is a rookie and Sean Weatherspoon continues a journeyman career.  It’s a group that lacks any sort of star power.

Final Record Reason

The question that must be asked is are the Atlanta Falcons improved enough to take down the Panthers?  In that the answer must be no.  Their roster is better on both side of the ball, but the rest of the division got better too and Carolina still holds the edge.  Odds say the Falcons will be in the playoff hunt most of the way but won’t be able to string together enough victories late in the year.

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