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ESPN Predicts Their 5 Best NFL Teams in 2017

By Erik Lambert

Sep 11, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Oakland Raiders head coach Jack Del Rio talks to quarterback Derek Carr (4) in the second quarter of their game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 11, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Oakland Raiders head coach Jack Del Rio talks to quarterback Derek Carr (4) in the second quarter of their game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 5, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) speaks to wide receiver Julio Jones (11) in the fourth quarter against the New England Patriotsduring Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 5, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) speaks to wide receiver Julio Jones (11) in the fourth quarter against the New England Patriotsduring Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

Atlanta Falcons (11-5)

"“Starting off the season against a rebuilding Chicago Bears team is the perfect remedy for the Falcons’ Super Bowl hangover. Could be a 5-0 start with Green Bay at the new stadium in Week 2, at Detroit, then home against Buffalo and Miami. The Falcons might have trouble with three consecutive road games — including a Super Bowl rematch at New England — followed by a Dallas-Seattle, back-to-back.”"

On paper it looks like the Falcons caught a break in their schedule. All feature opponents they should be able to beat. Their roster remains largely unchanged from the one that came a quarter away from winning the Super Bowl. The big question will be how Matt Ryan functions without Kyle Shanahan calling the plays. He’s still a Pro Bowler but that team needs him to play like an MVP in order for it function at its highest level. That’s asking a lot after what they’ve been through.

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