Here are five things to know about the Atlanta Falcons on Friday:
1. Patriots troll Falcons. The Patriots trolled the Falcons before getting steamrolled by the Chiefs. At least Falcons' fans won't have hear about all that 16-0 talk.
2. Falcons projected to miss playoffs. The advanced statistical analysis web site Football Outsiders has released its projections for the 2017 season and the forecast has the defending NFC champion Falcons missing the playoffs.
3. Falcons projected to win Super Bowl. Former Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Reggie Wayne was the only NFL analyst out of 15 to pick the Atlanta Falcons as Super Bowl LII Champions.
Wayne chose the Falcons to defeat the New England Patriots.
“We never see a rematch in back-to-back seasons, but I would love this!” Wayne wrote. “Dan Quinn and Matt Ryan get revenge.”
4. Jones is ready. Falcons All-Pro wide receiver Julio Jones, a major cog in the offense, played only eight plays in the exhibition season. Jones underwent foot surgery to remove a bunion from his right foot in March, but will start against the Bears. He said he's ready to go.
5. Practice. The Falcons practice at 10:45 a.m. Coach Dan Quinn will speak to the media after practice followed by an open locker room session.
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