2017 NFL Power Rankings: Where do Los Angeles Rams stand heading into Week 1 preseason?

2. Atlanta Falcons

Redemption is the best way to describe how the approach the Atlanta Falcons are taking into the 2017 season after suffering that embarrassing loss to the New England Patriots in which they blew a 25-point lead in the Super Bowl last February. Words can’t even describe how members of the Falcons must have felt after that game came to an end, but the good news is this team is loaded with talent on both sides of the football to make sure they remain contenders over the next few years.

Matt Ryan finally took the necessary step to make Atlanta serious contenders in the NFC by putting together an MVP season in which he nearly threw for 5,000 yards to go along with 38 touchdowns and just seven interceptions. By having one of the league’s best hands in Julio Jones along with Mohamed Sanu establishing a strong role as the No. 2 wideout, Ryan should be in good shape to have similar numbers for the second year in a row, as the quarterback looks to help the Falcons return to the Super Bowl with hopefully better results.

Of course, the major news surrounding Atlanta this week is the hefty extension they rewarded Devonta Freeman with to set the bar high for other running backs across the league. But for the Falcons, the money wasn’t an issue since Freeman’s numbers from the last two seasons are enough proof that he clearly deserves every penny.