So, you're looking for the score to the Atlanta Falcons game. I get it. The NFL season moves fast, and if you missed the Sunday broadcast, catching up can feel like a chore. Honestly, the final week of the 2025-2026 regular season was a weird one for Atlanta fans.
The Atlanta Falcons score in their most recent game against the New Orleans Saints was 19-17.
They won. But it wasn't exactly a "feel-good" victory that propelled them into the postseason. It was more of a bittersweet ending to a season that had way more downs than ups. If you're checking the score today, January 15, 2026, keep in mind that the Falcons’ season is officially over. They didn't make the playoffs.
Breaking Down the Atlanta Falcons Score and the Week 18 Drama
That 19-17 win over the Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium was a classic NFC South grind. It wasn't pretty. It wasn't high-flying. It was a lot of field goals and a defense holding on for dear life. Zane Gonzalez was basically the MVP of the afternoon, knocking through four field goals, including a 38-yarder late in the fourth quarter that put Atlanta ahead.
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Drake London managed to snag a 15-yard touchdown from Kirk Cousins early on, which gave fans some hope. But the real hero—or villain, depending on who you ask—was Dee Alford. He snagged a red-zone interception off Saints quarterback Tyler Shough with just over three minutes left. That play basically iced the game.
Here is the thing though: even with that win, the Falcons finished with an 8-9 record.
Because of how the tiebreakers shook out, that victory actually helped the Carolina Panthers clinch the NFC South title. Imagine that. You beat your biggest rival only to hand the division crown to another rival. It's the most "Atlanta" thing ever.
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The Immediate Fallout
The score wasn't even the biggest news that day. Just a few hours after the clock hit zero, Falcons owner Arthur Blank made a massive move. He fired head coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot.
It felt abrupt to some, but the writing was on the wall. A seven-year playoff drought is a long time in the NFL. Fans were frustrated. The "Rise Up" motto was starting to feel a bit hollow when the team couldn't get above .500 for the second straight year under this regime.
Why the Final Atlanta Falcons Score Mattered for the Draft
You might be wondering why anyone cares about a Week 18 win for a losing team. Well, in the NFL, every win or loss shifts your position for the following year. By winning that final game and reaching 8-9, the Falcons actually "worsened" their draft position.
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If they had lost, they’d be picking a few spots higher. Now, they are locked into the middle of the pack. For a team that desperately needs to figure out its long-term plan at quarterback—especially with Kirk Cousins hinting that his future in Atlanta is up in the air—those draft slots are like gold.
- Kirk Cousins' Future: He’s been vocal about wanting to stay, but with a new coach coming in, who knows?
- The Coaching Search: Names like Ben Johnson or even a big swing at a retired legend are already swirling around Atlanta.
- Draft Capital: They’ll likely be looking for defensive edge rushers or a young QB to develop behind (or instead of) Cousins.
What to Watch for Next
Since the Falcons aren't playing this weekend (the Wild Card round already happened, and the Divisional round is coming up), the focus has shifted entirely to the front office. Greg Beadles has been promoted to CEO, and the search for a new leader is in full swing.
If you were hoping to see the Falcons in the Super Bowl this February, you'll have to wait until at least 2027. For now, the "score" that matters isn't on a scoreboard; it's how many quality coaching candidates they can get into the building for an interview.
Next Steps for Falcons Fans:
Keep a close eye on the "NFL Coaching Tracker" over the next 48 hours. The Falcons usually move quickly once they've cleared house. Also, check the official NFL Draft order now that the Wild Card games have wrapped up; Atlanta’s spot is finalized, and the mock drafts are already starting to project some interesting talent heading to Georgia.