5 takeaways from the Falcons' 2026 schedule release

The Atlanta Falcons have unveiled their schedule for the 2026 NFL season. While their opponents were already known, we now have the dates and times of each contest on their schedule. This added information provides context and gives the fans a better idea of what to expect.

Here are five takeaways from the Falcons' official schedule for the 2026 NFL season.

1. Steelers have dominated Falcons throughout history

The Falcons will face the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 1, and history is not on their side. Since 1966, Atlanta has defeated the Steelers just twice in 19 career matchups. The Falcons have lost five straight games against Pittsburgh, with their last win coming in 2006. Obviously, the Falcons want to get off to a good start, but that would require beating a Steelers team that has dominated them for roughly 60 years.

2. Falcons get the early bird special from NFL

During the first five weeks of the season, Atlanta will play just one game at the 1 p.m time slot, largely due to the team's early run of prime-time games. However, from Week 6 onward, the Falcons' game in Madrid (9:30 a.m. ET kickoff) is the only game that does not have a 1 p.m. kickoff. So if you're a fan of early kickoffs, you're in for a treat.

3. Cold weather likely won't be a factor

The Falcons got lucky to be playing at Pittsburgh in Week 1 and at Lambeau Field in Week 3 as opposed to playing sometime later in the season. The game in Cleveland on December 13 is the most likely to bring a cold push, but that is likely the most-adverse weather Atlanta will see this season. From November on, the Falcons have a slew of games played in dome, and road games in Tampa, Madrid, Charlotte, and DC.

4. Falcons have 3 straight prime-time games

The Falcons don't have as many prime-time games as they did last season, but they will play three in a row in 2026. Starting in Week 3, they will face the on Thursday Night Football, the on Monday Night Football, and the on Sunday Night Football. After that, it's back to the normal 1 p.m. ET slot for the majority of the season.