So, you're looking for the score. If you're checking your phone today, Saturday, January 17, 2026, hoping to see a live scoreboard for the Atlanta Falcons, I’ve got some news that might be a bummer or a relief depending on how much you like Sunday afternoon stress.
The Falcons aren't playing today.
In fact, they aren't playing for a while. Their 2025-2026 season officially wrapped up a couple of weeks ago. If you want the "real" answer to what's the score of the Atlanta Falcons, the most recent final was Atlanta 19, New Orleans Saints 17. That game happened back on January 4, 2026, to close out Week 18.
It was a classic NFC South scrap—ugly, gritty, and filled with field goals. Zane Gonzalez basically carried the team on his back, knocking through four field goals, including a 51-yarder that felt like it travelled through a different zip code. Kirk Cousins threw for 180 yards and a touchdown to Drake London, while the defense did just enough to hold off a late surge by Tyler Shough and the Saints.
Why isn't there a score today?
The NFL playoffs are currently in full swing, but the Falcons aren't invited. Even though they beat the Saints to finish the year, they ended with an 8-9 record. It’s that weird "middle of the road" purgatory.
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They actually finished in a three-way tie for the top of the NFC South with the Carolina Panthers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Imagine that. Three teams, all 8-9, all staring at each other. Because of the tiebreaker rules that honestly require a PhD to fully explain, the Panthers took the division title. The Falcons got bumped down to third place.
Basically, no playoffs. No game today. No live score to refresh.
What’s happening at Flowery Branch right now?
Even without a game on the field, the "score" behind the scenes is moving fast. The organization is in a total state of flux.
Hours after that win against the Saints, owner Arthur Blank decided he’d seen enough of the 8-9 life. He fired head coach Raheem Morris and GM Terry Fontenot. It was a "Black Monday" move that came a day early.
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Right now, the front office is basically a giant war room. As of this morning, January 17, the big news is that Kevin Stefanski is in town for a second interview. He’s the first candidate to get a callback, which usually means things are getting serious. They’ve also talked to Mike McDaniel and Antonio Pierce.
The Matt Ryan Factor
If you’re a longtime fan, you’ve probably heard that Matty Ice is back, but not in a jersey. Matt Ryan was recently named the President of Football. He’s basically the one whispering in Arthur Blank’s ear about who should lead this team next.
It’s a bit of a surreal transition. One year you're watching him throw dots to Julio Jones, the next he's in a suit deciding who the next coach is.
Looking ahead to the 2026 schedule
Since the season is over, we already know who the Falcons will play in the fall of 2026. Because they finished third in the division, their schedule is locked in based on the "formula."
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They’ll have the usual home-and-away games against the Panthers, Saints, and Bucs. But the "third-place finisher" status means they also drew some tough matchups. They’re slated to play the San Francisco 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs at home.
One big thing to keep an eye on: the Falcons are scheduled for an international game in 2026. Whether that’s London or Munich hasn’t been confirmed yet, but someone is going to need a passport.
Actionable steps for Falcons fans
Since you can't watch a game today, here is how you can actually stay on top of the team's "score" this offseason:
- Watch the Stefanski news: If a deal is going to happen, it’ll likely leak in the next 48 hours following his second interview today.
- Check the Senior Bowl rosters: Falcons scouts and the new (currently empty) coaching staff will be looking at prospects in Mobile, Alabama, later this month.
- Draft Position: The Falcons are picking in the middle of the first round. Start looking at edge rusher rankings—the defense still needs that "alpha" pass rusher to help out Grady Jarrett’s successors.
- Cap Space: Keep an eye on the Kirk Cousins contract situation. With a new coach coming in, there’s always the question of whether they stick with the veteran or pivot fully to a younger option.
The Falcons might be 0-0 for now, but the real season—the one played in conference rooms and on scouting tapes—is just getting started.