It aint easy being brilliant...

SPOILER ALERT….

I am going to predict that the Atlanta Falcons will finish 3rd in the NFC South this season.

Why? You may ask…

Two reasons:

1. The Falcons and especially Matt Ryan are overrated
2. I believe that the Carolina Panthers are going to have a breakout year

The Falcons did what they seemingly do on an annual basis, in 2011.

They won a few games, got into the playoffs, and lost in the opening round.

Let’s just say Matt Ryan hasn’t found what Skip Bayless would call his “clutch gene,” just yet…

On offense, the Falcons ranked 10th in passing, 17th in rushing, and 10th in total offense.

On defense, the Falcons ranked 20th in passing, 6th in rushing, and 10th overall.

The Falcons weren’t “bad” at anything in 2011. And I don’t believe they will neccessarily be bad at anything this season. But I AM predicting that the Panthers will be on the come up, and the Falcons will be sitting this postseason out.

If recent history is any indication, it’s not like the Falcons would have done anything with that playoff spot, anyway…

PREDICTION: 8-8, 3rd in NFC South