If you woke up this morning and started frantically refreshing your phone for the Atlanta Falcons football score today, I have some news that might be a bit of a letdown. Or maybe a relief, depending on how much you enjoy watching defensive struggles.
There is no score today. Zero. Zip.
The Falcons aren't playing. They aren't even at the facility. While the NFL Divisional Round is currently tearing through the weekend with high-stakes matchups like the Rams taking on the Bears and the Texans visiting Foxborough, the Dirty Birds are officially on vacation.
Honestly, it’s been a weird few weeks in Flowery Branch. To understand why there’s no game today, we have to look at the chaotic ending of the 2025-2026 regular season, which felt more like a soap opera than a football schedule.
The Final Score That Changed Everything
The last time we saw a real-time Atlanta Falcons football score was Sunday, January 4, 2026. It was a Week 18 showdown against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. On paper, it was a success. The Falcons ground out a 19-17 win over their biggest rivals, completing a season sweep of the Saints.
Zane Gonzalez was basically the MVP of that afternoon, booting four field goals. Kirk Cousins managed 180 yards through the air, and Drake London snagged a 15-yard touchdown early on to set the tone. But here’s where it gets weird: hours after the final whistle blew and the stadium lights dimmed, the team cleaned house.
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Arthur Blank didn't care about the winning streak. He fired head coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot immediately after the game.
It was a cold move. The team had actually finished on a four-game winning streak to end the year 8-9. In most universes, a strong finish saves your job. Not here. The Falcons missed the playoffs for the eighth straight year, losing the NFC South tiebreaker to the Carolina Panthers. Because they didn't make the cut, today—Sunday, January 18—is just another day of scouting and searching for a new head coach.
Why the Falcons Aren't in the Divisional Round
A lot of fans are asking how a team with an 8-9 record stayed home while other teams with similar records are still playing. It basically came down to a disastrous mid-season slump.
Between late October and early December, Atlanta couldn't buy a win. They lost five straight games. They fell to the Dolphins, Patriots, Colts, Panthers, and Jets in a row. Some of those were heartbreakers—the 31-25 overtime loss to Indianapolis in Berlin was particularly brutal to watch at 9:00 AM.
By the time the Falcons figured out their identity and started winning in mid-December, the hole was too deep.
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- Week 15: 29-28 win over Tampa Bay (The spark)
- Week 16: 26-19 win over Arizona
- Week 17: 27-24 win over the Rams
- Week 18: 19-17 win over the Saints
That four-game surge was impressive. It showed that the roster has talent. Bijan Robinson was a monster all year, earning All-Pro nods and proving he's the engine of the offense. But when you start 4-9, you've essentially surrendered your seat at the playoff table. That's why today’s NFL schedule features the No. 2 seed Chicago Bears and the No. 5 seed Los Angeles Rams, while the Falcons are watching from the couch.
What's Next Since There’s No Game?
Since you won't find an Atlanta Falcons football score today, the focus shifts entirely to the "Help Wanted" sign hanging over the entrance of the team's headquarters. The head coaching search is the only game in town right now.
Rumors are flying. Names like Ben Johnson or even a big-name defensive coordinator are being floated. The fan base is divided. Some want a young offensive mastermind to maximize Kyle Pitts and Drake London before their prime years evaporate. Others think the defense, which actually kept them in games during the losing streak, needs a veteran leader.
The 2026 opponents are already set based on that third-place finish. We know they'll be facing a tough slate next year, including games against the NFC West and AFC West. If the front office doesn't nail this coaching hire, we'll be having this same conversation next January.
The Reality of the NFC South
The most frustrating part for Falcons fans? The division was wide open.
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Carolina, Tampa Bay, and Atlanta all finished 8-9. It was a three-way tie for the top of the NFC South. The Panthers took the crown solely because of their record within the division. If Atlanta had managed to flip just one of those early losses—maybe that one-point loss to the Patriots in Week 9—they would be the ones playing today.
It’s a game of inches that the Falcons lost months ago.
So, if you’re looking for football today, you’ve got two great games on the slate. Just don't expect to see any red and black jerseys on the field until the preseason kicks off in August.
Actionable Steps for Falcons Fans Today
Instead of looking for a score that doesn't exist, here is what you should actually be tracking to stay ahead of the curve:
- Monitor the Coaching Interviews: The NFL allows virtual interviews for coaches on playoff teams starting this week. Keep an eye on which coordinators Arthur Blank is requesting to meet with.
- Check the Draft Order: With an 8-9 record, the Falcons are picking in the middle of the first round. Start looking at mock drafts for edge rushers; James Pearce Jr. had 10.5 sacks this year, but he needs help on the other side.
- Review the All-Pro Lists: Bijan Robinson and Chris Lindstrom made the cut. Seeing how they performed compared to their peers gives a good indication of where the "core" of the team stands heading into the offseason.