NFL Network Forecasts Troubling Season Ahead for Atlanta Falcons
The Atlanta Falcons find themselves in a precarious position as NFL Network’s recent season predictions cast a shadow over their playoff aspirations. Head coach Raheem Morris, who holds an 11-15 record during his time with the Falcons, including a disappointing 3-6 mark this season, faces mounting pressure to turn around the team’s fortunes.
A Promising Start Derailed
Just a month ago, the Falcons were riding high after a notable victory against the formidable Buffalo Bills on Monday Night Football, which brought their season record to 3-2. This win was seen as a defining moment for Morris and his squad, a statement of their potential. However, that momentum quickly faded. The Falcons have since endured a four-game losing streak, plummeting to a 3-6 record. Over their last 17 games, their performance has been even more alarming, with a dismal tally of 5-12 — the equivalent of a full season of struggles.
Struggles as Favorites
Atlanta’s inability to capitalize on favorable matchups has further complicated their campaign. The team has failed to secure a win as a favorite, going 0-3 in such scenarios, while managing a split 3-3 record as underdogs. This inconsistency has made it increasingly difficult for fans and analysts alike to predict their performance on a week-to-week basis.
NFL Network’s Grim Outlook
In light of these troubling trends, NFL Network’s Ali Bhanpuri has weighed in with a bleak forecast for the remainder of the season. He predicts that the Falcons will finish with a disappointing 6-11 record, continuing their current trajectory from a 3-6 start. Initially, Bhanpuri had anticipated a more optimistic 8-9 finish, projecting that the Falcons would be at 4-5 after nine games. However, he has since adjusted his expectations, changing a predicted win against the Arizona Cardinals into a loss.
Bhanpuri reflected on the unpredictability of the Falcons, stating, “I was right about … the Falcons’ unpredictability this season. Atlanta was the only team I had winning seven or more games without ever posting back-to-back wins. I haven’t accurately forecasted much about this team so far… but that little prediction remains on track. I was wrong about … Weeks 1-5. Missed. Every. Single. Game.”
The Road Ahead
As the Falcons look to regain some semblance of consistency, the road ahead appears steep. With the second half of the season unfolding, fans and analysts alike will be closely monitoring whether Raheem Morris can rally his team to defy the odds and turn their season around, or if they will succumb to the grim predictions set forth by NFL Network.
