If you're frantically checking your phone to see what time is the falcons game on today, I’ve got some news that might sting a little. Look, we’ve all been there. You wake up on a Saturday in mid-January, the air is crisp, and your brain is basically hard-wired to expect football. You want to see Kirk Cousins slinging it or Bijan Robinson making defenders look silly in the open field.
But here is the cold, hard reality for January 17, 2026: The Atlanta Falcons are not playing today.
Honestly, it’s a bit of a bummer. After that gritty 19-17 win over the New Orleans Saints back on January 4th to wrap up the regular season, there was a glimmer of hope for some fans. But while that victory felt great—especially ending the season on a high note at Mercedes-Benz Stadium—it wasn't enough to propel Atlanta into the postseason. While you're searching for a kickoff time, the players are likely already deep into their off-season routines or watching the games from their couches just like us.
What Time Is The Falcons Game On Today? Understanding the 2026 Postseason Gap
Since there is no Falcons game today, you might be wondering who actually is taking the field. Today is the NFL Divisional Round, which is arguably the best weekend of football in the entire calendar year. Even without the Dirty Birds in the mix, the matchups are absolute bangers.
If you just need a football fix, here is what the actual TV schedule looks like for Saturday, January 17, 2026:
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- Buffalo Bills vs. Denver Broncos: This kicks off at 4:30 p.m. ET on CBS. It’s a massive AFC showdown.
- San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks: The nightcap starts at 8:00 p.m. ET on FOX. This is an intense NFC West rivalry that usually gets pretty chippy.
It’s weird not seeing Atlanta in that late-night slot, especially with how the NFC South shifted this year. The Carolina Panthers actually managed to sneak away with the division title at 8-9, which tells you everything you need to know about how chaotic the South was this season. Atlanta finished close, but "close" doesn't get you a Divisional Round kickoff time.
Why the Falcons are Sitting Out This January
Football is a game of inches, and for the 2025-2026 Falcons, those inches just didn't add up fast enough. While the defense showed serious flashes of brilliance—I mean, holding the Saints to 17 points in the finale was a statement—the consistency just wasn't there during the mid-season stretch.
We saw some incredible moments. Kirk Cousins proved he still has the arm, and the run game looked elite at times. But when you're looking for what time is the falcons game on today, you’re seeing the result of a few "could-have-been" games in October and November. If a couple of those one-score losses had flipped, we’d be talking about a trip to Seattle or Denver right now instead of looking at mock drafts.
Looking Ahead: When Will the Falcons Play Again?
Since today is a wash for Falcons fans, the next question is naturally: when do we get to see them back in action?
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We are officially in the "wait until next year" phase. The 2026 NFL schedule won't be officially released with times and dates until May, but we already know who the opponents are going to be. The NFL's rotation is pretty predictable that way.
Next season, the Falcons are slated to host some heavy hitters. We’re talking about the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers coming to Atlanta. That’s going to be a massive test for the roster. On top of that, the team is headed overseas for an international game in 2026. Whether that’s London or Munich remains to be seen, but the Falcons are officially a global brand these days.
The Air Force Exception
Just a quick heads-up for those of you who might be looking for the other Falcons. If you’re an Air Force Falcons fan, you actually do have a game today! The Air Force men's ice hockey team is taking on Holy Cross.
That game is happening in Worcester, Massachusetts, with a puck drop around 5:05 p.m. MT. So, if you just absolutely need to cheer for a team called the Falcons today, ice hockey is your move.
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Actionable Steps for Displaced Falcons Fans
So, the Falcons aren't on. Your jersey is sitting in the closet. What now? Don't let a perfectly good Saturday go to waste.
First, scout the competition. The 49ers and Seahawks game tonight features two teams Atlanta will have to leapfrog next year if they want to be playing on this date in 2027. Watch how Seattle handles the pass rush; that’s a blueprint the Falcons’ front office is likely studying.
Second, mark your calendar for the NFL Draft. Since the season is over, the draft is the next "Super Bowl" for Atlanta. It usually happens in late April. That’s where the next generation of playmakers will come from.
Finally, keep an eye on the coaching and roster moves. The period between now and March is when the "new" Falcons are actually built. Free agency starts before you know it, and with the cap space situation in Atlanta, they might be big players again.
Even though you won't find a kickoff time for the Atlanta Falcons today, the road to the 2026-2027 season starts right now. Grab a drink, enjoy the Divisional Round games, and start dreaming about next September.