If you're frantically checking your betting apps or clearing your schedule to figure out what time do the falcons come on today, I have some news that might sting a little.
The Atlanta Falcons aren't playing today.
Honestly, the 2025-2026 season ended for Atlanta a couple of weeks ago. While the NFL is currently heating up with Divisional Round playoff action, the Dirty Birds are already in "evaluation mode." They finished their regular season on January 4, 2026, with a tough loss to the New Orleans Saints.
It sucks. I know. We all wanted to see Raheem Morris and Kirk Cousins leading a deep January run, but the math just didn't work out this year.
Why Aren't the Falcons on Today?
The NFL playoffs are a private party right now, and the Falcons didn't get an invite. Today is Friday, January 16, 2026. The league is currently gearing up for the Divisional Round, but those games don't even start until tomorrow.
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If you were looking for live football right this second, you're a day early even for the teams that did make it. The schedule for this weekend features the heavy hitters:
- Saturday, Jan 17: Buffalo Bills at Denver Broncos (4:30 PM ET)
- Saturday, Jan 17: San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks (8:00 PM ET)
- Sunday, Jan 18: Houston Texans at New England Patriots (3:00 PM ET)
- Sunday, Jan 18: Los Angeles Rams at Chicago Bears (6:30 PM ET)
Atlanta's season was a rollercoaster of "almosts." Despite some flashes of brilliance in the NFC South, they were officially eliminated from playoff contention in early December. By the time that Week 18 game against the Saints rolled around, they were playing for pride and draft positioning rather than a ticket to the dance.
When Will We See the Falcons Again?
Since they aren't on the field today, the next time you'll see the Falcons in a meaningful game won't be until September 2026.
That feels like a lifetime away.
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However, the "offseason" is a bit of a lie in the modern NFL. The 2026 schedule is already starting to take shape, even if we don't have the exact kickoff times yet. We know who they are playing; we just don't know when until the NFL does its big schedule release show in May.
The 2026 Home Slate
Mercedes-Benz Stadium is going to see some massive names next year. You can expect home games against:
- The usual suspects: Saints, Panthers, and Bucs.
- The Heavyweights: San Francisco 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs.
- The North: Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, and Cincinnati Bengals.
The 2026 Road Trips
Pack your bags, because the away schedule looks brutal but interesting. They’ll be heading to:
- Pittsburgh to face the Steelers.
- Green Bay for a (likely) freezing game at Lambeau.
- Minnesota and Cleveland.
- A trip to D.C. to play the Commanders.
One of these games is also designated as an international game. The Falcons were granted a home game abroad for the 2026 season, so keep your passport ready. We'll likely find out if they're heading back to London or maybe checking out Germany or Brazil later this spring.
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What Should Falcons Fans Do Today?
Just because the Falcons aren't on doesn't mean you can't be a fan today. The front office is likely huddled in Flowery Branch right now looking at the 2026 NFL Draft board.
Atlanta is in a weird spot. They have the veteran leadership with Cousins, but the defense needs a serious injection of pass-rush talent. If you're looking for something Falcons-related to do today, start scouting the edge rushers in the upcoming draft. Names like James Pearce Jr. or Mykel Williams are going to be linked to Atlanta for the next four months.
Also, keep an eye on the coaching carousel. While Raheem Morris seems secure, the coordinator level always sees some shaking up after a season that ends in early January.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans:
- Check the Mock Drafts: Now that the Falcons' draft slot is locked in (roughly mid-teens), look at who the experts have them taking to fix that pass rush.
- Monitor the International Announcement: Follow the official Falcons social media or the NFL communications site. The specific location for Atlanta's 2026 international game is usually one of the first "schedule" leaks to drop.
- Watch the Divisional Round: Even though the Falcons aren't in it, watching the 49ers and Seahawks tomorrow will give you a direct look at two of the opponents Atlanta has to host at home next season.
The wait for the 2026 season starts now. It's a long grind, but the draft and free agency in March will be here before you know it.