If you're staring at your TV remote wondering what channel are the Atlanta Falcons playing on, I’ve got some news that might be a bit of a bummer if you were hoping for a game today, January 14, 2026.
The Dirty Birds are officially done for the year.
Yeah, it’s frustrating. The Falcons finished their 2025 season with an 8-9 record after a nail-biting 19-17 win over the New Orleans Saints on January 4th. While they ended on a high note, they didn't make the cut for the playoffs. That means while teams like the 49ers and Seahawks are gearing up for the Divisional Round this weekend, our guys in Atlanta are already looking toward the NFL Draft and the 2026 season.
Why aren't the Falcons on TV right now?
Honestly, the NFC South was a bit of a mess this year. Atlanta stayed in the hunt until late December, but they were officially eliminated from playoff contention back in Week 14 after a rough loss to the Seattle Seahawks.
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Because they aren't in the postseason, you won't find them on FOX, CBS, NBC, or ESPN for the rest of January or February. The "channel" they're currently on is basically just the offseason news cycle.
Where to watch Falcons news and 2026 updates
Even though there isn't a live game to scream at this Sunday, the franchise is moving into a massive transition phase. Raheem Morris and the front office are under a microscope. If you want to keep tabs on the team during the spring and summer, here is where the action usually lives:
- NFL Network: This is your best bet for 24/7 coverage. They’ll be all over the Senior Bowl, the Combine, and eventually the Draft.
- Local Atlanta Stations: If you’re in the 404 area code, FOX 5 Atlanta (WAGA-TV) is the official home for most Falcons programming, including coach's shows and preseason specials.
- The Official App: The Atlanta Falcons app often streams press conferences and behind-the-scenes content that you won't find on standard cable.
Looking ahead: What channel are the Atlanta Falcons playing on in 2026?
We already know who the Falcons are playing next season, even if we don't have the exact times yet. The NFL usually drops the full schedule in May. Based on the 2026 rotation, here is what the TV landscape will look like for Atlanta fans:
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The Sunday Staples (FOX and CBS)
Most of the noon and 4:00 PM games will land on FOX. Since the Falcons are in the NFC, FOX is their primary broadcaster. However, when they play AFC teams like the Baltimore Ravens or the Cincinnati Bengals at home, CBS will often pick up those rights.
Primetime Possibilities
Whether we get a Monday Night Football slot on ESPN/ABC or a Sunday Night Football game on NBC depends entirely on how much hype the NFL thinks this roster deserves. After finishing 8-9, we might only get one or two national windows.
The Streaming Factor
Don't forget Amazon Prime Video. They have the exclusive rights to Thursday Night Football. If the Falcons get a Thursday slot, you won't find it on traditional cable unless you're in the local Atlanta market, where it’s usually simulcast on a local channel.
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What happened to the 2025 season?
It’s worth looking back to see why we aren't watching a playoff game today. The season was a rollercoaster. We saw some flashes of brilliance from Bijan Robinson, who earned All-Pro honors, and Jessie Bates continued to be a ball hawk in the secondary.
But the quarterback situation remained... complicated. Kirk Cousins provided some stability, but the transition to the future (Michael Penix Jr.) is the story everyone is watching. The Falcons had a four-game winning streak late in the season, beating the Buccaneers, Cardinals, and Rams, which gave fans a lot of hope. But the 4–9 start was just too deep a hole to climb out of.
Actionable steps for Falcons fans today
Since there’s no game to watch, here is what you should do to stay ready for the 2026 kickoff:
- Check the Draft Order: Atlanta is picking in the middle of the first round. Keep an eye on edge rusher prospects; the defense needs a consistent pass rush more than anything.
- Audit your Streaming Services: If you’re tired of the "what channel" game, consider YouTube TV or FuboTV. They carry almost all the local channels and sports networks you need for NFL Sundays.
- Watch the Playoffs anyway: The 49ers and Seahawks play this Saturday, Jan 17th. Since the Falcons play both of those teams in 2026, it’s worth "scouting" the competition.
The search for what channel are the Atlanta Falcons playing on will be a lot more exciting come August. For now, it's time to settle in, watch the playoffs as a neutral observer, and hope the front office makes some magic happen in the draft.