Offensive starting lineup projection for Week 1

The Atlanta Falcons finished the preseason with a 2-1 record, and are just a week away from their regular season opener against the New Orleans Saints. Now that the team has released its 53-man roster, let’s examine some potential starting lineups.

Here’s our starting lineup projection for the Falcons offense in their Week 1 matchup against the Saints next Sunday.

QB: Marcus Mariota

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It seems like Mariota has locked up the QB1 spot for Week 1. The former second overall pick had a solid preseason, showing off his legs and his arm in what is hopefully a preview of things to come. Expectations are low for Mariota, but Atlanta presents the former Heisman Trophy winner with an opportunity to get his once-promising career back on track. Desmond Ridder also showed some promise, however, the rookie could use a little more seasoning on the bench.

RB: Cordarrelle Patterson

(AP Photo/Todd Kirkland)

No surprise here after the Falcons re-signed Patterson over the offseason. The return specialist-turned-running back has been a great locker room presence, and his knack for making big plays has made him a fan favorite as well. Patterson is a lock for the starting RB job, however, he’s unlikely to get a full workload. Watch out for Tyler Allgeier and Damien Williams to get a good amount of work in as well.

FB: Keith Smith

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The Falcons like to run 2-TE sets, but Keith Smith made the 53-man roster and is the only fullback on the team. Don’t expect him to play a major role on offense this season, though.

TE1: Kyle Pitts

(AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Kyle Pitts went from a mega-hyped college prospect, to a top-five player at his position over the course of a year. Pitts is the Falcons’ best offensive player, the most explosive talent on the team, and he’s just scratching the surface of his potential. Expect another 1,000-yard season from Pitts, with a major uptick in red-zone production.

TE2: Parker Hesse

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The Falcons kept four tight ends on their initial 53-man roster but have since placed TE John FitzPatrick on the injured reserve list. That leaves Pitts, Parker Hesse and Feleipe Franks. Hesse is better-suited for that true No. 2 TE role as someone who can block and catch passes. Franks…