NFL power rankings: League-wide look at each team as preseason starts

NFL power rankings: League-wide look for each team as preseason starts

ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 22: Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons speaks to Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers after the NFC Championship Game at the Georgia Dome on January 22, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. The Falcons defeated the Packers 44-21. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

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HOUSTON, TX – FEBRUARY 05: Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons walks off the field after losing to the New England Patriots 34-28 in overtime during Super Bowl 51 at NRG Stadium on February 5, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images /

44. . . . Atlanta Falcons. 3. team

Will the Atlanta Falcons go the way of the Carolina Panthers after their Super Bowl loss? Is there going to be a massive post-Super Bowl hangover for head coach Dan Quinn and Co.?

The Falcons certainly hope not, as quarterback Matt Ryan and wide receiver Julio Jones look to pick up right where they left off. Equally interesting will be the dynamic between running backs Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman.

No-49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan worked wonders with these two last year, so hopefully the Falcons offense can remain just as potent heading into 2017.

The key question, as it was last year, is how effective the defense will be.

EDGE Vic Beasley is about as prolific a pass-rusher there is, and he’ll be joined by rookie defensive tackle Takkarist McKinley.

This should help Atlanta’s front seven quite a bit, but the rebound will be a challenge this season.