You’re staring at the TV, remote in hand, wondering where the red and black jerseys are. It's a fair question: are the falcons playing football today? If you're looking for a kickoff time this Wednesday, January 14, 2026, I have some news that might sting a bit for the ATL faithful.
The Atlanta Falcons are not playing today. In fact, their pads are already packed away in Flowery Branch for the winter.
While the NFL playoffs are currently heating up, the Falcons found themselves on the outside looking in once again. After a rollercoaster of a season that saw them finish with an 8-9 record, the team missed the postseason cut. They actually ended the year on a high note with a 19-17 win over the New Orleans Saints on January 4, but that late-season surge wasn't enough to overcome a mid-year slump that left them third in the NFC South.
Why the Falcons aren't in the January playoff mix
If you're asking are the falcons playing football today, you’re probably used to seeing high-stakes football this time of year. But for Atlanta, the drama is happening in the front office, not on the gridiron.
The team officially entered "rebuild mode"—or at least "heavy transition mode"—the moment the regular season clock hit zero. Owner Arthur Blank didn't waste any time. He moved on from head coach Raheem Morris and GM Terry Fontenot almost immediately after the season finale.
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Right now, while teams like the Denver Broncos and Seattle Seahawks are prepping for Divisional Round matchups this coming weekend, the Falcons are busy interviewing candidates to lead the franchise. The biggest headline? Legendary quarterback Matt Ryan is back, but not in a helmet. "Matty Ice" was recently named the team's President of Football. It’s a bold move, honestly. Seeing him lead the search for the next head coach is surreal for fans who watched him under center for over a decade.
The current NFL playoff landscape
Since you won't find the Falcons on your screen today, who is playing? Actually, there are no NFL games at all today, Wednesday. The league usually sticks to its weekend schedule once we hit the postseason.
We just wrapped up a wild Wild Card weekend where the Houston Texans dismantled the Pittsburgh Steelers 30-6 on Monday night. If you’re looking for the next live football fix, you’ll have to wait until Saturday, January 17. That's when the Divisional Round kicks off with a massive doubleheader:
- Buffalo Bills at Denver Broncos (4:30 PM ET)
- San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks (8:00 PM ET)
It’s a tough pill to swallow for Atlanta fans, especially seeing rivals like the Carolina Panthers make the playoffs (even if they did get bounced early).
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What’s next for the Atlanta Falcons?
Just because they aren't playing doesn't mean the team is quiet. This is arguably the most important offseason in a generation for this club.
First off, there’s the coaching search. John Harbaugh has already interviewed for the head coaching gig, which sent shockwaves through the fan base. Imagine the intensity he’d bring to that sideline. They've also looked at names like Anthony Weaver and Kevin Stefanski.
Then, there’s the "new look" coming in 2026. The team just announced they are dropping new uniforms this April. Word on the street is they’re leaning heavily into a throwback-inspired aesthetic—think silver pants and those iconic red helmets from the '70s and '80s. Fans have been begging for this for years, and it looks like Matt Ryan and Arthur Blank are finally listening.
A glance at the 2026 schedule
We already know who the Falcons will face when they eventually return to the field next fall. Because they finished third in the division, their 2026 schedule is locked in. They’ll be facing:
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- Home: Panthers, Saints, Buccaneers, Bears, Lions, Ravens, Bengals, 49ers, and the Kansas City Chiefs.
- Away: Panthers, Saints, Buccaneers, Packers, Vikings, Browns, Steelers, and the Commanders.
That home slate is brutal. Hosting Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs plus a 49ers team that’s currently deep in the playoffs? Mercedes-Benz Stadium is going to be rocking, but the wins won't come easy.
How to stay updated on Falcons news
Since the answer to are the falcons playing football today is a resounding "no," you’ve got to find other ways to get your fix. The next big milestone is the NFL Draft in April. With an 8-9 record, the Falcons have a decent mid-round pick, and with a new coaching staff coming in, expect some aggressive moves.
Keep an eye on the "Head Coach Tracker" on the official team site. The interviews are happening fast. Matt Ryan is clearly in a hurry to get his staff in place before the scouting combine.
If you're looking for live sports right now, your best bet is to pivot to the NBA or NHL until the NFL Divisional Round starts this Saturday. The Falcons might be done for the year, but the "New Era" in Atlanta is just starting to get interesting.
Next Steps for Fans:
- Check the official Falcons social media channels for the latest head coach interview updates.
- Mark your calendar for the uniform reveal in April 2026.
- Watch the Divisional Round games this Saturday to see the level of competition the Falcons will need to beat next year.