The Atlanta Falcons were a trendy pick to make the playoffs in 2025, but that came crashing down as the team battled injuries.
Starting quarterback Michael Penix played just nine games before suffering a season-ending injury, while Kirk Cousins wasn't enough to save the season. Then, Atlanta fired their general manager and head coach, instead turning to Matt Ryan and Kevin Stefanski to try and turn the franchise around.
Atlanta brought in Tua Tagovailoa in the offseason to compete with Penix, as the Falcons hope one of the two can turn into a playoff-caliber quarterback. Of course, the Falcons' are led by star running back Bijan Robinson, who can carry the offense by himself throughout the year.
Luckily for the Falcons, the NFC South is a weaker division that leaves the door open for any of its four teams to win the division each year.
Here is a complete breakdown of the Falcons' 2026 schedule, including dates, start times and analysis for all 17 games.
Atlanta Falcons schedule 2026
Home opponents: Panthers, Saints, Buccaneers, Bears, Lions, Ravens, Bengals, Chiefs, 49ers
Away opponents: Panthers, Saints, Buccaneers, Packers, Vikings, Steelers, Browns, Commanders
Every NFL team's 2026 opponents are predetermined. Falcons' full 2026 NFL schedule with dates, times and TV networks will be updated below when the NFL schedule is announced at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, May 14.
Week Date Opponent Kickoff time (ET) TV channel
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Falcons strength of schedule
While the Falcons had six divisional matchups against under-.500 teams last year, their non-division schedule was tougher. Atlanta played the entire NFC West, which featured three playoff teams, along with the Bills and Patriots. However, the Falcons also faced the Jets, Cardinals and Commanders, which provided relatively easier matchups.
The Falcons are tied for the 28th-toughest schedule in the league for 2026, as their opponents owned a .465 winning percentage combined last year. However, that includes a Chiefs team that went 6-11, as Kansas City will likely be better in 2026, and it is largely buoyed by an easier division.
Toughest tests: The Falcons' schedule is a mixed bag, but some games that stand out include matchups against the two north divisions. Atlanta hosts the Bears and Ravens, and must travel to Green Bay to play the Packers and to Pittsburgh to play the Steelers.
Additionally, the Falcons have games against the Chiefs and 49ers, who could be tough depending on how their season unfolds. Kansas City's status depends on when Patrick Mahomes returns, but the Chiefs could very easily go back to being a contender.
Biggest breaks: Atlanta being in the NFC South means it takes part in the weakest division in the NFL based on 2025 results. All four teams had under-.500 records last year, and the Falcons get six games against those teams every season.
Additionally, the Falcons' easier non-division games include road matchups against the Browns and Commanders, two teams that finished 5-12 last year.
Falcons record prediction
Over/under win total: 7.5
Bottom line: Despite a disappointing 2025, the Falcons still had eight wins, which included four-straight wins to end the season. Atlanta is a talented team that has endured quarterback issues, but Bijan Robinson is a star and the defense was one of the biggest positive surprises last year.
The Falcons' season will depend on the team's quarterback situation. Both Michael Penix and Tua Tagovailoa are capable of winning games, but they each come with their own set of health issues. If one of the two can remain healthy for the year, Atlanta should compete for a playoff spot.
Record prediction: 9-8