An ominous stat about No. 1 pick QBs had Falcons fans anxious for Week 1 game against Bryce Young

The Atlanta Falcons seem to be on an inspiring uptick after years of struggle, and a division game against a rookie quarterback and a new coaching staff.

Normally, that’d make you feel good a more senior team (even with a relative newcomer in second-year quarterback Desmond Ridder) being able to flex its experience on the team that’s starting anew.

History is on Atlanta’s side, as ESPN’s Ed Werder pointed out that rookie quarterbacks taken first-overall in the NFL Draft have gone 0-13-1 in their first career games in the last 20 years.

Among Bryce Young’s opening-day challenges: Quarterbacks drafted 1st overall are 0-13-1 in their first career start over the last 20 years. The last to win was David Carr in 2002, when the Texans beat the Cowboys in the first game in franchise history, per @ESPNStatsInfo

— Ed Werder (@WerderEdESPN) September 5, 2023

However, this is the Falcons we’re talking about, a team that defies logic and reason with supreme passion and fury.

This is a team that, y’know, blew a 28-3 Super Bowl lead to the New England Patriots among many other historical flops.

The Falcons enter Sunday’s home opener against Carolina as the -3.5 favorites on FanDuel, making Young’s new team a +3.5 underdog.

If you have faith in the Falcons’ impressive offense, innovative play calling from Arthur Smith and the intriguing improvements on defense led by Jessie Bates III, Calais Campbell and David Onyemata, and believe these past Falcons missteps to be a moot point going forward, be sure to bet the under.

However, if you believe fate to be a cruel tormentor of Dirty Birds, well, bet the over.