The Saints went an impressive 6-11 after entering last season as the projected worst team in the league by many. They were never true playoff contenders, but they showed encouraging signs of a successful rebuild and now head into 2026 looking to build on that momentum. Under GM Mickey Loomis, the Saints were once infamous for constantly deferring contracts, allowing them to seemingly ignore the salary cap while continuing to compete. A few years removed from that approach, their cap situation has largely stabilized, putting them on more equal footing with the rest of the rebuilding teams around the league.
The Saints bring back their entire 2025 coaching staff, at least at the head coach and coordinator positions. Kellen Moore returns for his second season after making the jump from Eagles offensive coordinator to head coach in New Orleans. Moore runs a Pro-Spread offense that looks a bit different from the one he coordinated in Philadelphia. He’s always done a good job adapting his scheme to his personnel, and with so many key pieces returning, the continuity should allow the offense to keep building instead of having to learn another new system. As an offensive-minded head coach, Moore naturally has more control over the offense than most head coaches, making offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier’s role somewhat of a figurehead compared to other OC jobs around the league. Nussmeier followed Moore from Philadelphia after serving as his quarterbacks coach, and while it’s unclear exactly how much influence he has on the offense, the two have worked well together dating back to their time as position coaches with the 2018 Cowboys.
On the defensive side of the ball, I had plenty of questions about the Brandon Staley hire entering last season. He had previously failed as the Chargers head coach and, in my opinion, had become the biggest misuser of the Fangio system. The Fangio system is built around a bend-don’t-break philosophy with heavy usage of quarters coverage, but Fangio also mixes in different looks and adjusts to stop the run when necessary. Staley’s defenses with the Chargers rarely did that, instead allowing offenses to move the ball almost at will until they eventually “bent” enough to give up touchdowns. It was one of the least dynamic defenses in the league and one of the main reasons I was so critical of the hire in 2025. To his credit, Staley put together a solid first season in New Orleans and showed some meaningful adjustments. The Saints defended the run better than expected and mixed their coverages enough to keep opposing offenses guessing. I still wouldn’t call myself a big Staley supporter, but the decision to retain him makes sense, and I no longer view him as the liability I expected him to be last season.
The more puzzling decision was retaining special teams coordinator Phil Galiano. Unlike Moore and most of his staff, Galiano was promoted from within rather than following Moore from Philadelphia. In his first season leading the unit, the Saints had one of the league’s worst special teams groups, particularly in coverage. A coordinator can’t control how accurate his kicker is or how strong his punter’s leg is, but he can control the coverage units and blocking schemes, and that’s where the Saints struggled most throughout 2025. I understand the value of keeping a successful coaching staff together, but Galiano’s unit simply wasn’t successful and enters 2026 with more questions than answers.
Overall, Mickey Loomis has done a good job building both the roster and coaching staff while working through the lingering effects of the Saints’ old salary cap strategy. With the financial situation now in a much healthier place, New Orleans appears ready to move out of the rebuilding phase and take advantage of a relatively winnable division.
Quarterbacks (29th)
As the saying goes, if you have two quarterbacks, you have no quarterbacks. Atlanta had two quarterbacks last season, and after replacing Kirk Cousins, they once again enter the year with two viable options. Michael Penix Jr. is currently listed as the starter, but he suffered a season-ending injury last year, which could affect his ability to fully compete for the job during training camp or even cause him to miss the start of the season. The expectation is that he’ll be ready for Week 1, but it’s fair to wonder whether he’s fallen behind despite entering camp as the incumbent. Penix is a strong-armed pocket passer who has enough athleticism to extend plays but doesn’t add much to the run game. Since being drafted eighth overall, he’s struggled to consistently operate an NFL offense. There are still traits to like, but considering he was already an older rookie when he entered the league, it’s fair to question how much patience Atlanta has left.
To compete with Penix, the Falcons brought in Tua Tagovailoa, who is coming off the worst season of his career in Miami. Tua is actually a fairly similar player to Penix. They’re both left-handed quarterbacks with comparable play styles. Tua lacks Penix’s arm strength, but at this stage of their careers, he’s shown better processing and diagnostic ability. I still think Tua is a serviceable starting quarterback, which may be all Atlanta is looking for this season. Because of that, I actually expect Tagovailoa to win the job out of camp, with Penix serving as the backup until Tua inevitably misses time with an injury.
Behind them, Trevor Siemian is a longtime veteran who has made plenty of starts over the years but is essentially a clipboard holder at this point in his career. I think he only makes the roster if Penix isn’t healthy for Week 1. Rounding out the room is MSU Moorhead UDFA Jack Strand. Strand is an intriguing Division II prospect, and he’s someone I’d definitely try to keep on the practice squad to see if he can develop.
I have Atlanta’s quarterback room ranked 29th in the NFL, largely because of both the uncertainty surrounding the position and how these two played last season. If one of them can elevate his play, the Falcons’ passing game has a real opportunity to take advantage of all the talent surrounding the quarterback.
Running Backs (1st)
Bijan Robinson has emerged as one of the best running backs in the NFL, and in my opinion, he’s the best in the league. There isn’t much left to say about Bijan. He can do just about everything, and any opportunity the Falcons have to get the ball in his hands is one they should take. He does most of his damage on outside zone runs where he has the chance to break into the open field, but there really isn’t a weakness in his game. Atlanta has never truly given him a full workhorse workload, instead keeping him fresh by rotating Tyler Allgeier into short-yardage, power running, and pass protection situations. Allgeier is now gone, but Brian Robinson was brought in to back up Bijan. Kevin Stefanski has shown he’s willing to feature a true workhorse, as he did with Nick Chubb, but he’s also never been afraid to rotate backs when the depth warrants it. Robinson filled that role for years as Washington’s starter before serving as Christian McCaffrey’s backup in San Francisco last season. I expect to see a similar workload split in Atlanta.
That’s likely where the meaningful rotation ends, as Tyler Goodson projects as the RB3. He should make the roster, but he’s not someone you want playing significant offensive snaps outside of special teams. Behind him, Nathan Carter played just 12 offensive snaps as a UDFA last season and isn’t likely to factor into the rotation. Cash Jones is an interesting depth piece with an even more interesting name, but he’s probably headed for the practice squad rather than the 53-man roster.
As far as depth goes, the Falcons’ running back room is a little weaker than some of the other top units around the league, although Brian Robinson is still a quality backup. The reason this group earns my No. 1 ranking is Bijan Robinson. Without Allgeier taking away touches and with a new head coach calling the offense, Bijan could see a significant increase in opportunities, especially as a receiver with Tua Tagovailoa under center.
Weapons (10th)
Wide Receivers (16th)
The Falcons’ wide receiver group is led by Drake London. London entered the league as an early first-round pick known primarily as a big-bodied contested catch receiver, but his development as a route runner has pushed him into the upper tier of NFL wide receivers. He isn’t quite at the level of players like Ja’Marr Chase, Justin Jefferson, or 2026 Jaxon Smith-Njigba, but he’s still a true difference-maker for this Atlanta offense. The reason this group only ranks 16th, though, is the lack of depth behind him. Jahan Dotson is a former first-round pick who never lived up to expectations and eventually became the WR3 on an Eagles team that primarily focused its targets on A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. Now, he’ll be asked to step into a much larger role as Atlanta’s WR2, putting even more pressure on London to continue developing as the team’s top option.
The third starting receiver in the slot is Olamide Zaccheaus, a designated-touch and gadget receiver. That’s an archetype Kevin Stefanski has shown he likes, but Zaccheaus isn’t the only player in this room who fits that role. Third-round rookie Zachariah Branch was drafted to fill a similar role, and while he’s currently listed as a backup, I expect him to take over those responsibilities fairly early in the season. He’s undersized, and Georgia didn’t always maximize his skill set, but his run-after-catch ability is among the best in this class, and Stefanski should find creative ways to get him involved.
Outside of those four, the depth becomes much more questionable. Dylan Drummond is probably WR5, but he’s bounced around since going undrafted and has just 42 career receiving yards, all of which came last season. If Atlanta keeps a sixth receiver, I’m most interested in UDFA Vinny Anthony II, who I thought had a chance to get drafted, or Chris Blair, who has previous experience as a special teams contributor. Beyond them, Keelan Marion and Le’Meke Brockington are two more undrafted additions from this year, while Antwane Wells Jr. was a recent signing after failing to see the field with the Giants last season.
Outside of London, this is one of the weaker wide receiver groups in the league, but having a true WR1 keeps the unit respectable. Tua may be able to maximize Bijan Robinson and the slot receivers, but I think Penix is the ideal quarterback fit for Drake London. That creates an interesting dynamic depending on who ultimately wins the starting job.
Tight Ends (9th)
The Falcons’ tight end room is led by fantasy owners’ worst nightmare, Kyle Pitts Sr. Pitts has been one of the more frustrating players in the league because he has been both disappointing relative to expectations while still being a productive player. Last season was a true bounce-back year, as he nearly returned to 1,000 receiving yards. However, Pitts is really more of a glorified wide receiver than a traditional tight end. That isn’t necessarily a problem, as plenty of teams utilize players in that archetype, but for Atlanta last season, it meant relying on blocking tight end Charlie Woerner for over 50% of the team’s offensive snaps.
Woerner returns after his 48-yard performance in 2025, but he now projects as the TE3 and will likely be limited to a true blocking role, which is probably the best outcome for everyone involved. The new in-line option for the Falcons is Austin Hooper. Hooper is a classic, traditional tight end who does his job as a big-bodied receiver with reliable hands while providing solid blocking as well. He’s the type of player Atlanta has been missing next to Pitts, and he should make this offense more versatile even if he finishes as only the fifth or sixth-leading receiver on the team.
Because Pitts is more of a receiver than a traditional tight end, the Falcons may decide to carry a fourth tight end. 2025 UDFA Joshua Simon and 2026 UDFA Jack Velling are the only other options on the roster. I’m leaning toward Simon making the team due to his familiarity with the system and the incumbent advantage, but I haven’t seen enough from either player to make a strong determination.
This is still a relatively unique tight end room. Pitts gives Atlanta a true mismatch weapon, while Hooper provides the balance they have lacked. It isn’t the deepest group in the league, but the combination of those two skill sets gives the Falcons a solid foundation and ranks 9th.
Offensive Line (12th)
Offensive Tackles (19th) & Interior Offensive Line (6th)
Jake Matthews has been one of the steadiest tackles in the NFL for over a decade. He’s missed just one game in his 12-year career, his rookie season, and every one of those seasons has come with the Falcons. He isn’t quite the player he was in his prime, nor is he an elite tackle anymore, but he’s still as reliable as they come. Atlanta was forced to patch a hole at right tackle after Kaleb McGary surprisingly retired following last season. They landed on Jawaan Taylor, one of the most polarizing tackles in football. He grades out as a very good pass protector, but he’s constantly plagued by penalties, whether it’s false starts or holding calls. I actually think he’s a bit underrated as a player, but those penalties can be absolute drive killers.
The tackle depth begins with Wanya Morris, who followed Taylor over from Kansas City. Morris has seen the field due to injuries but hasn’t looked like a starting-caliber tackle. As a backup, though, you could certainly do worse. Beyond Morris, the tackle depth is extremely thin. Ethan Onianwa is a developmental seventh-round pick who may eventually move inside to guard, even though he’s currently listed as a tackle. He’s a rare draft pick who didn’t even start in college, spending this past season on Ohio State’s bench, so he’s clearly not ready for NFL action. Michael Jerrell is probably next in line, although former seventh-round pick Jack Nelson and UDFA Riley Mahlman both have higher ceilings and could compete for either a roster spot or a place on the practice squad.
On the interior, Chris Lindstrom remains one of the league’s best run-blocking guards, even if he’s only average in pass protection. That fits Atlanta just fine, considering this offense wants to run the football. Left guard Matthew Bergeron has steadily improved and now enters a contract year. He’s been a solid starter so far but has an opportunity to make the leap into a truly high-quality starter if he wants to earn a big payday. Former UDFA Ryan Neuzil has settled into the starting center job after spending most of his career as a backup. He’s nothing spectacular, but he also isn’t a liability, which is perfectly acceptable for your fifth offensive lineman.
The biggest concern is the interior depth. Kyle Hinton is the most experienced reserve after seeing limited action as a backup. UDFA James Brockermeyer has reportedly had a very strong camp and is now viewed by some as a legitimate candidate to make the roster. Andrew Stueber is currently listed as the third backup, but he’s struggled to stick on NFL rosters and isn’t a lock to make this one. Corey Levin is a veteran center option who won’t excite anyone but can provide dependable depth if Brockermeyer isn’t ready. Rounding out the group are UDFA Kam Dewberry and veterans Layden Robinson and Brandon Walton, none of whom I expect to make the final roster.
The end result is a strong offensive line anchored by a cornerstone left tackle and one of the league’s best run-blocking guards. There aren’t any glaring weaknesses in the starting five outside of Jawaan Taylor’s penalty issues, but the lack of quality depth keeps this unit from ranking among the NFL’s elite.
Offense (22nd) – Pass Game (25th) – Run Game (2nd)
The Falcons’ offense is one of the most polarizing units in the league. They have an elite running game led by a star running back and one of the NFL’s better run-blocking offensive lines, while also featuring several dangerous weapons in the passing game. The biggest issue is the lack of stability at quarterback, which drags down the passing attack. Without a reliable passing game, the offense as a whole is held back. If either Penix or Tua can put it all together, the pieces are in place for this to become one of the league’s more dangerous offenses. Until that happens, though, the ceiling remains limited, and I have the Falcons ranked 22nd offensively.
Defensive Line (31st)
Interior Defensive Line (31st)
The Falcons’ best interior defensive lineman is probably Zach Harrison, a smaller hybrid defensive end. He’s a borderline starting-caliber player in that role, but he shouldn’t be the leader of a defensive tackle room. Brandon Dorlus is another undersized former edge rusher who doesn’t bring the size you’d ideally want at 3-technique, but he is an impactful pass rusher. De’Shawn Hand fits a similar mold and will likely rotate with Harrison and Dorlus. He isn’t an impact starter either, but he’s probably the best run defender of the group. Maason Smith is currently listed as the starting nose tackle after the Falcons traded Ruke Orhorhoro for him. His pad level and run defense are below average, and despite his size, he doesn’t consistently play like a true nose tackle.
In obvious running situations, Atlanta may turn to LaCale London. He isn’t a player who sees many snaps, but he’s played well in limited opportunities and could help shore up the run defense. Chris Williams is another veteran depth signing, but I think he’s a tier below the players ahead of him and could struggle to make the roster. The Falcons also drafted Anterio Thompson in the sixth round. He’s more of a bet on his strength and athleticism than a polished player at this stage of his development. UDFA Carlos Allen Jr. and veterans Ross Blacklock and Devonsha Maxwell round out the room. I’d keep an eye on Maxwell after his time in the UFL, but more than likely, none of those three make the final roster.
The interior group is small and unproven, which brings many more questions than answers to the 2026 Falcons.
Edge Rushers (28th)
The Falcons thought they had found their young edge duo of the future in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. They still might have. James Pearce Jr. was excellent as a rookie, but after falling in the draft due to character concerns, he is now facing a possible suspension following legal issues this offseason. On the field, he looks like a legitimate building block for this defense. On the other side, Jalon Walker is a converted linebacker who is still learning the edge position, but he flashed the potential that made him such a high draft pick. As it stands, this isn’t an elite edge room, but the two second-year players have the talent to develop into Atlanta’s long-term pass rushing duo. Pearce’s legal situation and struggles against the run do add some uncertainty, though.
Samson Ebukam and Azeez Ojulari are solid, high-floor rotational pieces, but neither is someone you ideally want starting. Behind them, Cameron Thomas has bounced around the league but has shown enough to earn a roster spot. He’s a quality run defender who can make an impact in a limited role. One of the hardest players to evaluate is Bralen Trice, who hasn’t played a snap since being drafted in the third round in 2024 after missing his first two seasons with injuries. He was a better pass rusher than run defender in college, but at this point, anything they get from him is house money. DeAngelo Malone was a developmental third-round pick in 2022 who simply never developed. Finally, they signed Keshawn Banks from the UFL, and he’s someone worth keeping an eye on.
Atlanta has a solid enough edge rotation, but the starting duo hasn’t reached the level needed for this group to rank any higher, at least not yet. The uncertainty surrounding Pearce also lowers the ceiling of the room because, without him, this pass rush looks much less threatening.
Linebackers (28th)
The linebacker room is another weak spot for Atlanta. At LB1, the Falcons followed the strategy of signing a former highly drafted linebacker coming off his rookie contract by bringing in Divine Deablo. Linebacker is one of the slowest positions to develop, and while Deablo was somewhat of a failed experiment with the Raiders, he finally broke out last season in Atlanta. As a former safety, he’s a coverage-first linebacker and a solid piece, although he’s still a bit unproven as a true LB1. Christian Harris was brought in to compete for the LB2 role. He’s another former safety and highly drafted linebacker, but throughout his career he’s consistently struggled with missed gaps, even under DeMeco Ryans in Houston. Troy Andersen is another starting option. He’s an athletic freak, but injuries have derailed his career. I think he has a chance to win the job, but there’s also a real possibility he starts the season injured, or that the Falcons finally decide to move on.
Behind those three, the depth consists of two rookies: fourth-round pick Kendal Daniels and sixth-round pick Harold Perkins Jr. Daniels is another converted safety and profiles more as a stylistic backup to Deablo than someone expected to challenge for a starting role as a rookie. Perkins also struggles against the run, but he’s at his best as a blitzer. Considering how often the Falcons like to bring pressure, I expect him to rotate in on passing downs to rush the quarterback. Journeyman Channing Tindall is another depth option, although his biggest impact would likely come on special teams if he makes the roster.
It also seems like the Falcons have given up on former fifth-round pick JD Bertrand. I actually think he’s flashed enough despite his lack of athleticism that I’d try to keep him around on the practice squad as a depth option. Rounding out the room is Malik Verdon, a 2025 UDFA who I expect to compete for a practice squad spot.
There is some upside in this group, but the lack of run defenders is concerning, especially with Atlanta’s underwhelming interior defensive line. It also feels like they don’t have a reliable second starter on the roster. If Deablo takes a step back after his breakout season, this linebacker room could become a major weakness very quickly.
Cornerbacks (13th)
A.J. Terrell has fallen just short of taking that next step into the elite tier of cornerbacks, but he’s still a true CB1 and a star player in what can be a difficult defensive scheme. He can play both man and zone, but he’s at his best in man coverage while also excelling in zone-match concepts. Mike Hughes is a journeyman who has settled in as an adequate second or third starter with the occasional highlight play. Billy Bowman is an undersized slot corner who started as a rookie after being drafted in the fourth round last year, but like much of this defense, he’s a poor run defender and tackler. I think he’s a liability as a full-time starter right now, although he could develop into a solid safety/slot hybrid if he improves his run defense.
Avieon Terrell, A.J.’s younger brother, was drafted in the second round this year. He’s not currently listed as a starter, but he’s a good run defender and could earn a starting role, especially in the slot. He lacks the athletic upside to project as a future star, but he offers inside-outside versatility and should be a high-floor player once he gets on the field. Clark Phillips was a draft pick I really liked, but he just hasn’t put it together yet. He was originally projected as more of a slot corner but has primarily been asked to play on the outside. As far as true slot depth goes, Darnay Holmes is probably next in line, while also providing value on special teams. Mike Ford Jr. is still around as well, primarily as a special teamer, but he’s a veteran outside corner who can step in if injuries start piling up.
C.J. Henderson is a former first-round bust whose career has faded into the background in Atlanta. He’s still getting opportunities, but he isn’t expected to make the roster. Cobee Bryant signed as a UDFA in 2025 and has the instincts for the position, but he struggles athletically to consistently translate those instincts onto the field. He could carve out a role on special teams or as deep depth, but he likely isn’t quite NFL caliber. A.J. Woods and Malcom DeWalt IV round out the cornerback room and will be competing for practice squad spots during training camp.
The Falcons don’t have an established CB2 to complement A.J. Terrell, which drops them below some of the league’s stronger cornerback groups. However, they do have plenty of intriguing options. If just one of those complementary pieces takes a step forward, Atlanta could suddenly have a very dangerous cornerback duo. As it stands, I have this unit ranked 13th, with the run defense concerns holding it back.
Safeties (2nd)
Jessie Bates may no longer be the absolute best safety in the league, but he still might be the best coverage safety in football. He looked like he lost a step last season, but he’s still the ideal centerfielder for a defense that loves to run Cover 1 and Cover 3. Next to Bates, Xavier Watts broke out as a third-round rookie last season. He’s always in the right position and is incredibly productive despite his relative lack of athleticism. After just one season, he looks like a future star, but I can’t rank him quite that highly until he proves he can sustain it.
Sydney Brown was acquired in a draft-day trade. He’s an intriguing athlete who brings versatility in coverage and could even see snaps in the slot. DeMarcco Hellams is a big-hitting run defender and core special teamer who should have no trouble earning a roster spot and carving out a role. Jammie Robinson and Darren Hall have both flashed at times, but they’re likely competing for practice squad spots rather than places on the 53-man roster. Natrone Brooks rounds out the room as a safety/corner hybrid who went undrafted in 2023. He’s managed to stick around, but he hasn’t had many opportunities to prove he’s worthy of a roster spot.
Bates and Watts, along with solid depth behind them, give the Falcons the second-ranked safety room in the NFL. It’s the defining strength of an otherwise very questionable defense.
Defense (26th) – Front Seven (31st) – Coverage Unit (11th)
The result is the 26th-ranked defense in the NFL. The Falcons have an excellent coverage unit, but some glaring weaknesses against the run and even a few questions surrounding the pass rush. They may be the smallest, lightest, and least physical defense in the league. There’s plenty of speed and athleticism throughout the roster, but if they can’t hold up against the run or defend 12 personnel, it’ll be difficult to stay competitive. It will take an outstanding coaching job from Jeff Ulbrich, major development from some of the young players, or both, to fix Atlanta’s run defense. The coverage talent is there, but if they can’t generate pressure or slow down the run game, it won’t matter nearly as much.
Specialists (16th)
The Falcons’ special teams unit was one of the weakest in the league in 2025. The kicker situation was a disaster for most of the season as they cycled through three different kickers. The coverage units struggled, as did just about every other aspect of the operation. In 2026, though, they’ll have a new kicker, punter, returner, and special teams coordinator as they look to completely revamp the unit. Nick Folk is now 42 years old, but he’s still been a very reliable kicker, especially over the last couple of seasons. Jake Bailey has proven to be an above-average punter and follows special teams coordinator Craig Aukerman over from the Dolphins. Long snapper Liam McCullough is the only returning specialist, with an entirely new group around him. Third-round pick Zachariah Branch is expected to handle kick returns, but if he earns a larger offensive role, the Falcons could instead turn to Olamide Zaccheus or UDFA Vinny Anthony II, neither of whom were on the roster last season.
Many of Atlanta’s primary special teams contributors from 2025 are also gone, including Feleipe Franks, Josh Woods, Teagan Quitoriano, and KhaDarel Hodge. This is essentially an entirely new unit, and it’s one I actually believe in. I’m going out on a limb a bit, but despite all the uncertainty, I have the Falcons ranked 16th in special teams.
Win Prediction (Under 7.5)
The Falcons got a tough schedule despite playing in the NFC South. Some of their toughest matchups come at home, while many of the more beatable opponents are on the road. They also lose a home game by playing in Madrid and don’t even get a bye week immediately before or after the trip. There are areas where this roster ranks among the league’s best, most notably at running back and safety. However, there are also some very clear, exploitable weaknesses. Defensively, it’s the run defense. Teams with strong rushing attacks should be able to consistently move the ball against this front. Offensively, it comes down to the quarterback. If Tua or Penix can’t develop into at least an average starting quarterback, this offense risks becoming far too one-dimensional.
Ultimately, I settled on the under. I think the Falcons are still about a year away from truly competing, despite having several star players on the roster. There are simply too many holes elsewhere, and I think Atlanta falls short of the eight wins needed to hit the over.
