Perhaps no team was as surprising during the regular season as the Falcons, who went from a team in disarray into a playoff qualifier. Atlanta also exploded on the fantasy scene and is set for another big year.

Quarterbacks: Matt Ryan was terrific in his rookie season, throwing for 3,440 yards and 16 touchdowns. He’ll have another quality target in newly acquired Tony Gonzalez, and he’ll improve simply because he has a year of NFL experience under his belt. Some sources have tabbed Ryan as a low-end QB1; I don’t quite think he’ll be that successful, but for sure, he’s a strong QB2 with potential.

Running backs: Michael Turner emerged from the shadow of LaDainian Tomlinson in San Diego to put up stellar stats with Atlanta. Some concern exists about how he will hold up after his 376-yard season, but I wouldn’t be worried — expect another season of at least 1,400 yards and 14 touchdowns. Speaking of shadows, Jerious Norwood is now in Turner’s, and though he’s a key special teams player for the Falcons, he’s no better than an RB4 or a Turner handcuff on the fantasy front.

Wide receivers: Roddy White didn’t miss a beat when Ryan took over at QB, catching 88 passes for 1,382 yards and seven touchdowns. Those are WR1 numbers, and White should repeat those stats and possibly even improve if Gonzalez takes some of the defenisve pressure. Michael Jenkins has been putting up WR4 numbers for a few seasons, and that’s what you should expect from hin 2009.

Tight ends: The arrival of Gonzalez will be a boon for Ryan, but will it decrease the veteran tight end’s numbers? I’m thinking no, but I wouldn’t tab him as the top TE of the draft. Expect at least 80 receptions and seven TDs.

Kicker: After years in Denver, Jason Elam, thought to be on the downturn of his carrer, arrived in Atlanta and scored 129 points while converting 94 percent of his field goals. With the Falcons’ offense, in a domed stadium, he’s a K1 for sure, maybe a top-five kicker.