Key takeaways from the Falcons 2026 schedule release

Favorable travel and rest

While the start of the season will be tough, the travel arrangements for the bulk of the season are pretty favorable. The team will avoid playing in Green Bay and Pittsburgh during the winter months. They do have to travel to Cleveland in winter for the “Stefanski Revenge Game,” but considering their away opponents this year, only one frigid winter game isn’t too bad. While they do have three consecutive primetime games, the team did land a Monday Night Football game after their Thursday Night Football game, meaning they’ll get a few extra days of rest. These breaks have come in handy for teams in the past who’ve suffered early-season injuries. Atlanta also secured a Week 11 bye, almost right in the middle of the season (7 games post-bye week), which is ideal timing.

A Photo Finish

It wouldn’t be a legitimate NFC South season without winter antics. The Falcons will close out the year with 3 consecutive division games against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, New Orleans Saints, and Carolina Panthers. It’s likely the division winner will be decided in the final week. So grab your Bayer Aspirin and prepare for a sweaty finish. All in all, the Falcons made out well with this year’s schedule. Yes, the team will be tested early, but in order to make the playoffs, you have to beat good teams.