The Atlanta Falcons are headed into the regular season here exactly one week from now, and hopes are high that a potential run at the postseason can be made in the first year of a new era.

Kevin Stefanski inherits a roster which is much more talented than most new hires get to take over, so if he can get the most out of it and decent quarterback play, the division is within reach. Atlanta made it a point this offseason to invest in its stars, and that showed with contract extensions for Drake London, Bijan Robinson and Kyle Pitts.

It's London though who is under the most pressure to perform to the best of his abilities headed into the year.

Perhaps the best part about London's game is the fact that despite serious quarterback turnover in what really has been a revolving door since he arrived, he has found a way to produce no matter who was under center.

Entering a season in which once again there are questions at signal caller, London being at his best regardless of who is throwing him the football would be a massive development for this offense. He was on pace for his best season yet in 2025, but he got banged up and injuries wound up limiting him to just 12 games.

In 2024, London had a massive breakout with over 1,200 yards and nine touchdowns on 100 receptions, and 2025 looked like for a while he was going to shatter those marks before having to miss games. While this was out of his control, it goes without saying that this offense operates at a much higher level when he is healthy and on the field.

This year will be no different, and now that he is paid like one of the top receivers in football, Atlanta needs London to put up the kind of numbers that the best on the planet do.

So much of what this offense does revolves around London, and the Falcons were right to put their faith in him with a lucrative extension. Now, it's time for him to hold up his end of the bargain and reward Atlanta with his best season yet as a pro.

If he can do just that, this offense may have a real chance at operating at the kind of level it would take for the Falcons to make the playoffs.