Score predictions for each game on the Falcons' 2026 schedule

[ASFN Admin]

The Atlanta Falcons have a few months to kill before they kick off their 2026 regular season schedule, but it's never too early for some predictions. The Falcons have missed the playoffs in eight consecutive seasons, and based on their new schedule, many expect that postseason drought to continue.

While the team's overall strength of schedule is tied for fourth-easiest in the league, the projected win totals of Atlanta's opponents tell another story. The Falcons have some brutal games against the Kansas City Chiefs, Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals and the San Francisco 49ers.

So, how will the Falcons fare this season? Check out our score predictions for each game on Atlanta's 2026 schedule below.

Week 1: At Pittsburgh Steelers​

Historically, the Steelers have had the Falcons' number. However, Pittsburgh is still waiting on Aaron Rodgers to decide if he wants to play, and there's no clear starting-caliber QB currently on the roster. The Falcons will squeak by in Week 1.

Prediction: Win, 17-13 (1-0)

Week 2: Carolina Panthers​

Last season, the Panthers swept the Falcons and won the division. Carolina is talented but I think the team will struggle under the weight of expectations this season. I think Atlanta secures a 28-24 victory at home in Week 2.

Prediction: Win, 28-24(2-0)

Week 3: At Green Bay Packers (Thursday Night Football)​

This is where things get tough. The Packers are contenders and Lambeau Field is one of the toughest places to play. Green Bay gives the Falcons their first loss of the season here in Week 3.

Prediction: Loss, 24-20 (2-1)

Week 4: At New Orleans Saints (Monday Night Football)​

This is the 20-year anniversary of the Steve Gleason game and will be played on Monday Night Football in New Orleans. The Saints should be better this season, but I think they will struggle under the bright lights of prime time.

Prediction: Win, 27-23(3-1)

Week 5: Baltimore Ravens (Sunday Night Football)​

The Ravens are a more complete team than the Falcons, and have an elite quarterback in Lamar Jackson. Even though the game is Atlanta, I think Baltimore comes out on top in this prime-time Week 5 matchup.

Prediction: Loss, 21-16 (3-2)

Week 6: Chicago Bears​

The Bears took off under Ben Johnson last season and stole the NFC North crown. While I think the Falcons will have no problem hanging around, I'm giving the nod to Chicago here with a two-point victory.

Prediction: Loss, 30-28 (3-3)

Week 7: San Francisco 49ers​

The 49ers just keep on rolling along regardless of who their quarterback is. The Falcons lost a close game to a banged-up San Francisco team last season, and unfortunately, I think they will suffer a similar fate this time around. The 49ers win a close game.

Prediction: Loss, 21-20 (3-4)

Week 8: At Tampa Bay Buccaneers​

This is the Falcons' first matchup against former offensive coordinator Zac Robinson. Atlanta has had Tampa's number over the last two years and I think that continues here in Week 8. The Falcons win a high-scoring matchup on the road.

Prediction: Win, 35-31 (4-4)

Week 9: Cincinnati Bengals (Madrid)​

This International Series matchup should be a good one. The Falcons will face the Cincinnati Bengals in Madrid, Spain. While the Bengals appear to have improved on paper, I'm not convinced they get back to contender status this season. I think the Falcons will get the best of Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr chase and company in Week 9.

Prediction: Win, 23-17 (5-4)

Week 10: Kansas City Chiefs​

The Chiefs finally came back to earth last season, but I can't see them being bad two years in a row. After a long trip, I think the Falcons will struggle against a revamped Kansas City team. I'm predicting a low-scoring affair with the Chiefs coming out on top.

Prediction: Loss, 20-14 (5-5)

Week 11: BYE​

The Falcons' bye week comes right around the middle of the season following a brutal two-game stretch against the Bengals and Chiefs.

Week 12: At Minnesota Vikings​

Last season, the Falcons crushed the Vikings on national television. Kyler Murray should be an upgrade at QB, but I don't see Minnesota improving very much overall. Atlanta will get its second win in a row over the Vikings in Week 12.

Prediction: Win, 21-16 (6-5)

Week 13: Detroit Lions​

The Lions missed the playoffs last season, but they have been a powerhouse under head coach Dan Campbell. The Falcons will put up a good fight, but I think they will leave the Motor City with a loss here in Week 13.

Prediction: Loss, 20-17 (6-6)

Week 14: At Cleveland Browns​

Kevin Stefanski won two Coach of the Year awards in Cleveland and was still sent packing after the 2025 season ended. I think Stefanski gets his revenge here in Week 14, and the Falcons will leave Cleveland with a one-point road victory.

Prediction: Win, 24-23 (7-6)

Week 15: At Washington Commanders​

The Commanders started out hot under Dan Quinn and Jayden Daniels in 2024, but they came back to earth last season as injuries caught up with them. I like Atlanta to win a thriller on the road here in Week 15.

Prediction: Win, 30-28 (8-6)

Week 16: Tampa Bay Buccaneers​

Here in Week 16, I think the Buccaneers get some revenge for the Falcons' earlier victory. Tampa Bay escapes with a 27-24 victory over Atlanta late in the season.

Prediction: Loss, 27-24 (8-7)

Week 17: New Orleans Saints​

The Saints have improved, and I think head coach Kellen Moore is doing a great job. Still, I like the Falcons to pull off the series sweep over New Orleans with another close victory in Week 17.

Prediction: Win, 21-20 (9-7)

Week 18: At Carolina Panthers​

The Panthers and Falcons always seem to play the wildest games late in the season. I think the Panthers get some payback for Week 2 loss here in the 2026 season finale.

Prediction: Loss, 27-24 (9-8)

Falcons final record prediction: 9-8​

I think the Falcons finally get over the hump with a winning record (9-8) in 2026 and possibly sneak into a wild-card spot. The NFC South is expected to be a close race again, and Atlanta should be in the mix. Considering the Falcons have been fairly quiet this offseason, any record improvement should be seen as a major step forward.


This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Atlanta Falcons 2026 schedule: Score predictions for each game

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