Falcons game-by-game predictions after 2026 NFL Schedule release

There’s good news for the Atlanta Falcons as the Kyle Pitts Sr. situation is resolved. And there’s plenty of enthusiasm about the draft picks. But what kind of season will it be? Here are the Falcons’ game-by-game predictions after the 2026 NFL schedule release.Coming off an 8-9 season, the Falcons missed the playoffs despite being close for the second straight season. Getting there this year might depend on the quarterback situation. Will it be Michael Penix Jr. or Tua Tagovailoa getting the majority of the starting assignments?It’s one of the NFL’s most compelling questions, according to Bleacher Report.“Tagovailoa likely has a leg up on Penix, simply because the latter is recovering from a major knee injury,” Brad Gagnon wrote.For this exercise, we will make these predictions under the assumption that all teams avoid season-changing injuries.Week 1 at Pittsburgh SteelersAnother team with quarterback questions, the Steelers at least have a better home mark than the Browns. They are 11-6 over the last two years.But unless Aaron Rodgers decides to play one more year, the Steelers aren’t equipped overall to handle the Falcons. This could be the Falcons' biggest margin for a road victory. WINRecord: 1-0Week 2 vs. Carolina PanthersThe Falcons have struggled against the Panthers lately, losing three straight and five of the last seven. They also have a no-show on their resume, a 30-0 crunching last season.But this is the place where the Falcons get things back on track in this rivalry. They will be at home and make plays late in the game. WINRecord: 2-0Week 3 at Green Bay PackersSometimes Lambeau Field can seem a little overrated. But the Falcons haven’t won at Green Bay since back in 2008. Just to put that into perspective, Rodgers was basically in his rookie season that year, after a backup role in his first three NFL seasons.There’s a mental hurdle here, and the Falcons likely won’t be able to get past it. The Packers' diverse offense will create game-long issues for the Falcons' defense. LOSSRecord: 2-1Week 4 at New Orleans SaintsAfter sweeping the Saints last year in a pair of competitive games, the Falcons will have the mental upper hand going into the contest.Combine that with the Saints headed for yet another so-so year, and the Falcons should have no problem protecting home-field advantage. WINRecord: 3-1Week 5 vs. Baltimore RavensFacing Lamar Jackson is extremely tough for NFC teams. They don’t see him and have less than a week to prepare for him. If the Ravens put enough 30-plus points, the Falcons won’t be able to keep pace.This is another home setback. LOSSRecord: 3-2Week 6 vs. Chicago BearsRemembering that the criteria for this is a full and healthy roster, the Falcons would be able to turn James Pearce Jr. loose on opposing quarterbacks. That would make a huge difference for this matchup.If the Falcons can’t harass Bears QB Caleb Williams, they will fail in this matchup. Assuming they can make it a positive outcome. WINRecord: 4-2Week 7 vs. San Francisco 49ersAny team that walks into Mercedes-Benz Stadium with a top-notch defense will have a chance to beat the Falcons. And a healthy 49ers defense fits the bill.Also, the 49ers will be able to move the football consistently and put up points. This will be the Falcons’ worst home loss of the season. LOSSRecord: 4-3Week 8 at Tampa Bay BuccaneersLife has been tough for the Buccaneers against the Falcons, who have beaten them five times in the last seven meetings.Without the same cast of characters at the receiver position — notably the absence of Mike Evans — the Buccaneers won’t be able to make enough big plays against the Falcons’ improved defense. WINRecord: 5-3Week 9 vs. Cincinnati BengalsYes, the Bengals boast Joe Burrow and one of the NFL’s best receivers in Ja’Marr Chase. They can move the football in the air and on the ground.However, the Bengals will likely struggle on defense. That gives the Falcons an avenue for a victory. WINRecord: 6-3Week 10 vs. Kansas City ChiefsWhat NFL fan wouldn’t like to see Patrick Mahomes play? The Falcons get that home game, and the crowd should be big and loud.However, the Chiefs will be much better in 2026. They will return to their playoff level. LOSSRecord: 6-4Week 12 at Minnesota VikingsThe Falcons had lost to the Vikings six times in seven meetings before last year’s 22-6 road victory. However, the Vikings have a new plan this year.With Kyler Murray taking over at quarterback, the Falcons will find the road game more challenging. And they won’t be able to pull off a win. LOSSRecord: 6-5Week 13 vs. Detroit LionsThe Lions present an interesting challenge this year. They should still be able to put points on the board, but will their defense stand up?This should be a tight game, but the Lions will walk out happy. LOSSRecord: 6-6Week 14 at Cleveland BrownsGetting road wins against the Browns hasn’t been that tough a chore recently. They are just 5-12 over the last two seasons.And with the quarterback situation in flux, it’s hard to see the Browns being able to handle the Falcons. Yes, defensive Myles Garrett could be a major problem for the Falcons' offense. But he can't score points. WINRecord: 7-6Week 15 at Washington CommandersIt’s always a challenge for defenses to face a healthy Jayden Daniels. The Falcons will have their work cut out for them.This game will come down to which offense avoids the critical error. It’s not just about a turnover here or there. It’s the late-game dopped pass, fumble, or missed field goal that will decide a close game. LOSSRecord: 7-7Week 16 vs. Tampa Bay BuccaneersIf the Falcons are going to be a true playoff contender, this is the kind of gritty-tough road game they need to win. They will need to play sound defense against playmaking quarterback Baker Mayfield.But the Falcons have the wild card in Bijan Robinson. Relying on a high-touch game from the star running back, the Falcons should be able to get the job done. WINRecord: 8-7Week 17 vs. New Orleans SaintsThe Falcons will be superior to the Saints in 2026. And while that doesn’t always produce a sweep in the rough-and-tumble NFL, it will be enough this year.Look for Tagovailoa to have his best game of the year. WINRecord: 9-7Week 18 at Carolina PanthersWhile the Falcons would like to have their way with the Panthers, they will struggle to escape victorious in the road environment. It should be a dandy of a game. And maybe it even goes into overtime. LOSSRecord: 9-8The final analysisWith a record of 9-8, the Falcons stand right on the edge of a playoff berth. It could come as a Wild Card. But one game over .500 might only be worth a berth if the NFC South is once again weak.The best news for the Falcons is that they have a wider swath of outcomes. And from a glass-half-full point of view, they could win 11 or 12 games. Their record in one-score contests will make all the difference.There’s good news for the Atlanta Falcons as the Kyle Pitts Sr. situation is resolved. And there’s plenty of enthusiasm about the draft picks. But what kind of season will it be? Here are the Falcons’ game-by-game predictions after the 2026 NFL schedule release. Coming off an 8-9 season, the Falcons missed the playoffs despite being close for the second straight season.