Despite having one of the best skill position trios in the NFL in QB Matt Ryan, RB Michael Turner and WR Roddy White, Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff knew his team had to get more explosive on offense to keep up with the likes of New Orleans and Green Bay, which crushed Atlanta in last year’s playoffs. For example, last year the Falcons ranked 31st in pass plays of more than 20 yards. Thus the move to get Jones. His arrival should mean opponents can no longer double-team White, who led the NFL with 115 catches last season. And it should help Turner and the running game too – Turner’s yards per carry average was much lower last year than in 2009. The Falcons also got a boost when future Hall of Fame tight end Tony Gonzalez decided not to retire after last season. Look for Atlanta to throw downfield much more often this year.

The only major addition on defense was former Vikings defensive end Ray Edwards. The team hopes he can take some pressure of fellow end John Abraham. The Falcons finished with just 31 sacks last season, tied for 20th in the NFL, and Abraham had 13 of those (nine more than any other Falcon. Largely because of a poor pass rush, the Falcons pass defense ranked just 22nd overall last year, allowing 226.6 yards per game.

Atlanta’s over/under win total on Bodog’s NFL futures odds is 10.5. It is +130 to win the NFC South (second to New Orleans).

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