Falcons tops preseason rankings

By: Hunter McIntyre

Sports Editor

NFL football football is just around the corner and many teams have questions about their future success. This year there are numerous teams that are easily capable of winning a superbowl. However my preseason pick to win it all is the Atlanta Falcons.

The Falcons aren’t the only team close from winning a superbowl. The New Orleans Saint, New England Patriots,Philadelphia Eagles,Pittsburgh Steelers,and Minnesota Vikings are betting favorites right now but i’m sure there will at least be one or two teams that surprise us this year.

The Falcons are one of the teams that just have it all. Matt Ryan was a league MVP only two seasons ago and they have the same core that went to Super Bowl 51. They have playmakers at every position including superstar receiver Julio Jones and pro bowl running back Devonta Freeman. Rookie reciever Calvin Ridley who they selected with a first round pick has also looked impressive during the preseason.

The Saints success is based off great quarterback play from future hall of famer Drew Brees and the success of breakout stars Alvin Kamara and Marshon Lattimore who both won rookie of the year awards on their respective side of the ball. If Drew Brees who turns 40 this year can put together another great season the saints should be a very dangerous team.

The Patriots contend almost every year thanks to the all time great coach/QB duo of Tom Brady and Bill Belichick. Along with a strong supporting cast of players like Rob Gronkowski and Donta Hightower the patriots should look strong again after a loss to the eagles in last years super bowl.

Last year the Eagles won the superbowl and they haven’t changed much. However if they want to have another season like last year QB Carson Wentz will have to come back strong from tearing his ACL last year. The eagles have a great defense and should not have a problem competing in post season football.

Minnesota had a bit of a shakeup last year as they lost QB Case Keenum to the Denver Broncos but gained QB Kirk Cousins from the Washington Redskins. In my opinion they improved their offense and didn’t lose much on the defensive side. Second year running back Dalvin Cook who also tore his ACL last season will be back as well. With an elite defense and a revamped offense the Vikings will be looking to improve on last year’s playoff run.

The Steelers are another elite offense. There might not be another team with as much straight up talent. Will all time great players such as Ben Roethlisberger and Antonio Brown who many consider to be the best receiver in the game they will be a force to be reckoned with. The only thing that may hold them back is their defense which has been shaky over the last few seasons.

All these teams will have a good chance of making the postseason and we are in store for another great season