If you’re frantically searching to see what time do the falcons play today, I have some news that might be a little tough to swallow, especially if you were hoping to see Bijan Robinson carving up a defense this afternoon. Today is Saturday, January 17, 2026. While the NFL Divisional Round is currently in full swing with some massive matchups on the docket, the Atlanta Falcons are not among the teams taking the field.
Honestly, it’s been a bit of a rollercoaster for the Dirty Birds. The 2025 season wrapped up with a 19-17 win over the New Orleans Saints back on January 4, but that victory wasn't enough to propel Atlanta into the postseason. They finished the year with an 8-9 record, which, while showing flashes of brilliance, left them sitting in third place in the NFC South.
Why the Falcons Aren’t Playing Today
The NFL playoffs are a cruel mistress. You either make the cut or you're watching from the couch like the rest of us. Atlanta’s playoff hopes effectively evaporated following a tough Week 14 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. That loss extended a postseason drought that has now hit seven long years.
Even though you won't see Kirk Cousins under center today, the league is still moving forward. If you just need a football fix, here is who is actually playing on this Divisional Saturday:
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- Buffalo Bills at Denver Broncos: Kickoff at 4:30 p.m. ET (CBS/Paramount+).
- San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks: Kickoff at 8:00 p.m. ET (FOX).
It’s a bit ironic that the Seahawks—the very team that helped end Atlanta’s season—are hosting a primetime playoff game tonight. But that’s just how the pigskin bounces sometimes.
Looking Back at the 2025 Campaign
To understand why we aren't asking what time do the falcons play today in a playoff context, we have to look at how the 2025 season unfolded. It was the second year under head coach Raheem Morris, and it was... complicated.
The highlight, without a doubt, was Bijan Robinson. The guy is a human highlight reel. He finished the 2025 season as arguably the best running back in the league, leading the NFL with a staggering 2,298 scrimmage yards. He’s now joined the ranks of legends like LaDainian Tomlinson and Eric Dickerson for the most scrimmage yards in a player's first three seasons.
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But football is a team sport. Despite having an All-Pro back and solid pieces like Chris Lindstrom and Jessie Bates III, the Falcons struggled with consistency. They had a brutal 4-9 start that mirrored their 2020 struggles. While they rallied late in the year—winning their final four games against Tampa Bay, Arizona, the Rams, and the Saints—the hole they dug early on was just too deep to climb out of.
Key Moments from the 2025 Schedule
- The Germany Game: A heartbreaker in Berlin. Jonathan Taylor went off for 244 yards in an overtime win for the Colts.
- The Saints Sweep: If there’s one silver lining, it’s that Atlanta beat New Orleans twice this year. The season finale was a gritty 19-17 win at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
- The Week 14 Collapse: The 37-9 blowout loss to Seattle was the final nail in the coffin for their playoff aspirations.
What’s Next for Atlanta?
Since the Falcons aren't playing today, the front office is already deep into "Draft Mode." The 2026 opponents have actually already been set, even if the specific dates and times won't be announced until the spring.
Next season, the Falcons will face their usual NFC South rivals, but they also draw the NFC North and AFC North. That means games against the Lions, Packers, Ravens, and Bengals are on the horizon. They also have a high-profile home matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs.
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If you're looking for actionable steps to stay connected with the team during this offseason, here is what you should be tracking:
- The Coaching Staff: With the 2025 season over, keep an eye on whether Arthur Blank decides to stick with the current leadership or makes a splashy move in the coaching market.
- Salary Cap Maneuvers: The Falcons have some big decisions to make regarding their veteran contracts to ensure they can keep building around Bijan Robinson.
- Mock Drafts: Start looking at the top defensive prospects. The Falcons' pass rush was a glaring weakness in 2025, and they’ll likely look to address that early in the 2026 NFL Draft.
While the answer to what time do the falcons play today is "not today," the groundwork for a better 2026 is being laid right now. For now, grab some wings, turn on the Bills-Broncos game, and start dreaming of next September.
Keep a close watch on the NFL Scouting Combine in late February; that's when the real moves for the 2026 season begin to take shape. Stay updated on local Atlanta sports radio like 92.9 The Game for the latest rumors on potential free-agent targets who could bolster the defense.