The Atlanta Falcons and their 8-9 finish in 2025 have taken on new meaning as the 2026 season approaches. What once looked like a middling record in the NFC South is now being reexamined through the lens of growth and potential.
The franchise has been labeled a contender despite falling just short of a winning season last year. That shift in perception reflects confidence in the team’s trajectory rather than its past record alone.
Atlanta Falcons, Kyle Pitts, NFC South
Aug 8, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. (8) on the field before a game against the Detroit Lions at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Atlanta showed flashes of competitiveness throughout 2025, often keeping games within reach against stronger opponents. Those performances hinted at a roster capable of more, particularly as younger players gained experience and consistency improved over time.
The offseason has only added to that optimism, with adjustments aimed at strengthening key areas on both sides of the ball. Improvements in depth and roster balance have positioned the Falcons to handle the demands of a longer, more competitive season.
NFL Analysis Names NFC South’s Atlanta Falcons as Contender Ahead of 2026 Season
Atlanta Falcons, Kyle Pitts
Jul 29, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts (8) makes a catch during practice at training camp at IBM Performance Field. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
Atlanta was classified as a contender for the upcoming season. This is detailed more in an analysis by Gary Davenport for Bleacher Report.
There are big changes in Atlanta in 2026 after the team missed the playoffs for the eighth consecutive season a year ago.
There’s a new head coach in Kevin Stefanski. The Falcons brought in competition for Michael Penix Jr. at quarterback in the form of Tua Tagovailoa. The team didn’t have a first-round pick this year as a result of last year’s trade up for edge-rusher James Pearce Jr., but it was still able to add help on both sides of the ball in wide receiver Zachariah Branch and cornerback Avieon Terrell.
The Falcons have no shortage of offensive weaponry and led the NFC in sacks last year. But Pearce could face apersonal-conduct suspension following his offseason arrest, and quarterback remains a major question mark.
The key for the Falcons is weathering the first half of the season. If they can do so without falling too far off the pace, they’ll be in the mix in a weak NFC South.
There are still questions surrounding execution and whether the team can sustain success across an entire schedule. Turning close losses into wins will be essential if Atlanta hopes to validate its contender status in a division that remains tightly contested.
Momentum, however, can be a powerful factor in the NFL, and the Falcons appear to be building in the right direction. If their development continues at the current pace, Atlanta could transform last year’s near misses into meaningful progress in 2026.