This week's Falcons Roundtable breaks down Atlanta's 2026 schedule, highlighting must-win games, the toughest stretches, and why the Week 11 bye could be perfectly timed. Can Kevin Stefanski guide the Falcons back to the playoffs in Year 1?
The Atlanta Falcons have a great shot at returning to the postseason in 2026.
In fact, when using last year’s record as an indicator, the team has the 4th easiest schedule in the NFL.
On this week’s Falcons Roundtable, the staff gives their thoughts on the Falcons schedule and which factors will be the most important for Kevin Stefanski in year one.
What game on the Falcons schedule do you believe is a must-win for Kevin Stefanski?
Zac Blackerby: I’ll say the home division games this season will have a lot on the line. If you want to make a run at the division, you can’t let other teams steal those home games. I’ll highlight the week two matchup when Atlanta hosts Carolina.
Michael Brauner: Week 2 against the Panthers would be a huge statement that Atlanta is the team to beat in the division this season. Beyond that, it would be incredible to win two out of the three straight primetime games they have getting started right after that at Green Bay, at New Orleans, and hosting the Ravens. A good start is critical though.
Christian Rauh: I agree that Week 2 against Carolina is a must-win, something you couldn’t do last season. However, I’m going with Week 3 against the Saints. The emotional 20th anniversary game of Hurricane Katrina on Monday Night Football. The Falcons took care of business when they played this game on the 10th anniversary. Need to keep the streak going.
Are there any stretches of games on the schedule you believe Atlanta must take advantage of?
ZB: Week 5-10 is brutal. Ravens, Chicago, San Francisco, at Tampa, Cincinnati, and Kansas City provide a tough middle third of your schedule. If you can find a way to go .500 or better there, you have to feel good about this team.
MB: If the stretch for the first half of the season presents some tough tests, things lighten up nicely at the end for a potential playoff push. Finishing with three straight division games after very winnable matchups against the Commanders and Browns Weeks 14 and 15, this is where the season will be decided.
CR: If you think they can handle their division this season, it has to be the 3-game stretch to end October. The Chicago Bears, San Francisco 49ers, and then the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. If you can go 2-1 or even undefeated during that stretch, your postseason odds will be looking great by the time November rolls around.
Do you think the team’s bye week is in a good spot?
ZB: Sure. I’ve always said that the later the bye week, the better. Week 11 is a solid place for one.
MB: After 10 games before a regroup for an end of season push is a great spot. Beyond that, they have a mini bye early on with a Monday Night game following a Thursday night, which is nice as well.
CR: Absolutely, they will be just finishing a hard October and two weeks removed from an International trip. It could be a very advantageous spot with only 7 games left on the year.
