Niner Noise
FanSided

NFL power rankings: Final post-Super Bowl LII standings around the league

By Peter Panacy

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - FEBRUARY 04: The Philadelphia Eagles celebrated defeating the New England Patriots 41-33 in Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium on February 4, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - FEBRUARY 04: The Philadelphia Eagles celebrated defeating the New England Patriots 41-33 in Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium on February 4, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – JANUARY 13: Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons walks off the field after being defeating by the Philadelphia Eagles with a score of 10 to 15 in the NFC Divisional Playoff game at Lincoln Financial Field on January 13, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – JANUARY 13: Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons walks off the field after being defeating by the Philadelphia Eagles with a score of 10 to 15 in the NFC Divisional Playoff game at Lincoln Financial Field on January 13, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

. Previous: . Atlanta Falcons. 8. team. 44.

A year removed from boasting the most prolific offense in the NFL, the 2017 Atlanta Falcons were a bit of a disappointment, riding an up-and-down season to a lackluster 15-10 loss to the eventual Super Bowl champions, the Eagles, in the NFC Divisional Round.

Offense might be a focal point for Atlanta this offseason, but heading into 2018 with a combo consisting of quarterback Matt Ryan, running back Devonta Freeman and wide receiver Julio Jones isn’t a bad thing.

And there are some playmakers on defense, particularly against the pass. So, hope for a playoff and Super Bowl return isn’t out of the question.

At all.

The Falcons don’t have much in cap space, just over $11 million available, and Ryan’s contract expires after this season. He’ll be due a sizable raise.

That means the NFL Draft will have to provide some cheap options, notably at guard and a younger option along the defensive line.