Expectations are an ever-present part of the NFL offseason, and optimism can sometimes grow too large

For some franchises, a free-agent signing or top draft pick may have resulted in some excessive hype. Elsewhere, a major departure—or, more accurately, several of them—has stung recent playoff teams, yet it seems to not be accounted for in projections.

Naturally, a list of this nature is subjective. There is no perfect way to analyze a roster in May, given the volatility due to possible trades, cuts, injuries and other changes before Week 1 arrives in September.The good news for the Atlanta Falcons is obvious: Provided his recovery from an Achilles injury goes as hoped, Kirk Cousins will stabilize an offense that desperately needs it.

Atlanta’s win total is listed at 9.5. Between a mediocre NFC South and a seemingly soft schedule, a 10-win season is truly possible.

But that friendly slate simultaneously looms as a January obstacle.

Right now, it appears the Falcons’ toughest road game is the Philadelphia Eagles. After that, it’s maybe the Minnesota Vikings—you know, the team replacing Cousins—or Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Either way, it’s hardly a gauntlet, and winning on the road is only more difficult in the playoffs.