If you’re scrambling to find the remote because you can't figure out what channel is falcons game on today, you aren't alone. NFL broadcasting has become a bit of a labyrinth. Between the traditional networks and the ever-growing list of streaming-exclusive windows, just "turning on the TV" doesn't quite cut it anymore.
Right now, the Atlanta Falcons have officially wrapped up their 2025-2026 campaign. It was a rollercoaster. They finished with an 8-9 record, which unfortunately means they are sitting out the current NFL playoffs. While teams like the Bills, Seahawks, and Rams are fighting through the Divisional Round this weekend (January 17-18, 2026), the Dirty Birds are already looking toward next year.
Where to Find the Falcons Next Season
Since the 2025 season is in the rearview mirror, your Sunday ritual is going to look a little different for a while. But because the NFL is a machine that never stops, we actually already know who they’re playing in 2026. The "where to watch" part usually follows a predictable pattern based on these matchups.
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Typically, most Falcons games land on FOX because they are an NFC team. However, when they host an AFC team, you’ll often find them on CBS. For the 2026 season, here is a look at the heavy hitters they'll be facing:
- Home Games at Mercedes-Benz Stadium: You’ll see the usual NFC South rivals (Panthers, Saints, Bucs), plus high-profile visits from the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers. Those two are almost guaranteed to be "National Game of the Week" material on either FOX or CBS.
- The Road Gauntlet: Atlanta heads to Green Bay, Pittsburgh, and Cleveland. Games at Lambeau Field or in the Steel City often get snagged for primetime.
- International Travel: The NFL confirmed that the Falcons will host an international game in 2026. Whether that’s London or Munich, those games almost always air on NFL Network early in the morning.
The Streaming Reality for Atlanta Fans
Honestly, the days of just needing a pair of rabbit ears are gone. If you want to catch every single snap, you've gotta be tech-savvy.
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Last season, we saw the Falcons on Amazon Prime Video for Thursday Night Football and ESPN for Monday Night Football. If the 2026 schedule—which usually drops in May—includes these slots, you’ll need those specific subscriptions.
For the "out-of-market" fans, NFL Sunday Ticket on YouTube TV remains the only way to see every Sunday afternoon game if you don't live in the Georgia/Alabama/South Carolina region. If you do live in Atlanta, a simple digital antenna usually picks up FOX, CBS, and NBC in high definition for free. It's the most reliable "old school" hack that still works.
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Key Broadcast Partners to Keep in Mind
- FOX: The primary home for the NFC South. Most 1:00 PM and 4:25 PM ET kickoffs live here.
- CBS: Used for cross-conference games, especially when an AFC team like the Ravens or Bengals visits Atlanta.
- NBC: Reserved for Sunday Night Football. If the Falcons start 5-0 next year, expect them to get flexed here.
- ESPN/ABC: The home of Monday Night Football.
- NFL+: A solid mobile-only option if you're stuck at a wedding or at work during the game. It allows you to stream local games on your phone or tablet.
Why the Schedule Matters Now
You might think it's too early to care about what channel is falcons game since the next kickoff isn't until August. But the 2026 opponents were finalized just a few days ago based on the 2025 standings. Because Atlanta finished third in the NFC South, they have a "third-place schedule."
This means they dodge some of the absolute titans of the league, theoretically giving them a smoother path back to the postseason. The front office is currently scouting for the draft and free agency to ensure that when you do tune in next September, you're watching a winning product.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
Don't wait until the Saturday before Week 1 to get your setup ready. Here is how to prepare for the 2026 Falcons season:
- Check your Antenna: If you want free games, test your signal now. Mercedes-Benz Stadium is a dead zone for some signals, but most of the metro area gets crystal-clear reception.
- Audit your Subs: If you only kept Amazon Prime for the Falcons, you can safely pause it until the fall unless you need the shipping.
- Mark the Calendar: The official 2026 NFL Schedule release happens in May 2026. That is when we will know exactly which games are on Monday, Thursday, or Sunday nights.
- Follow Official Sheets: Keep an eye on the Atlanta Falcons official site for updates on the international game location, as that will dictate whether you're waking up at 9:30 AM to watch.