Falcons ranked NFL’s third-most talented team

NFL.com's Gil Brandt ranked the NFL's 10 most talented teams, and the Falcons came in third in the league, along with being the top team in the NFC.

“The Falcons’ roster is loaded with players who are the best in the NFL -- or close to it -- at their respective positions,” Brandt wrote, going on to cite receiver Julio Jones, quarterback Matt Ryan, Devonte Freeman and Tevin Coleman at running back, Alex Mack at center and pass rusher Vic Beasley as some of the best at their spots.

The only teams Brandt ranked higher than the Falcons were the Patriots at No. 1 and the Steelers at No. 2. The Oakland Raiders checked in at No. 4, and the Cowboys were ranked the NFC’s second-most talented team at No. 5.

The Falcons’ NFC South rival Panthers are the only other team from the division in Brandt’s top 10, sitting at No. 9.