If you're frantically refreshing your phone to find out what's the score of the falcons game, I have some news that might be a little disappointing, or perhaps a relief depending on how much stress your heart can take.
There is no score.
The Atlanta Falcons aren't on the field today, January 17, 2026. While the NFL Divisional Playoffs are currently in full swing with the Denver Broncos and Seattle Seahawks hosting big-time matchups, the Falcons are watching from home. Again.
The Final Score That Ended It All
The last time we actually had a score to report was back on January 4, 2026. That was the regular-season finale against the New Orleans Saints. Atlanta actually won that game 19-17 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. It was a classic, gritty NFC South defensive struggle. Kirk Cousins threw for 180 yards and a touchdown to Drake London, while Zane Gonzalez basically carried the team on his back with four successful field goals.
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Ironically, that win was a "bittersweet" moment for the Dirty Birds. By beating the Saints, the Falcons inadvertently handed the NFC South division title to the Carolina Panthers.
Atlanta finished the 2025-2026 season with an 8-9 record.
Why Isn't There a Falcons Game Today?
The math is pretty simple but painful for fans in Georgia. The NFL playoffs require a winning record or a division title, and the Falcons secured neither. They finished 3rd in the NFC South.
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Even though they ended the season on a four-game winning streak—beating the Bucs, Cardinals, Rams, and Saints in consecutive weeks—the damage was done early in the year. A brutal 4-9 start, including a heartbreaking overtime loss to the Indianapolis Colts in Berlin, proved too much to overcome.
Honestly, the "score" everyone is talking about right now isn't on the scoreboard; it's the front office shakeup.
The Score in the Front Office
Hours after that final 19-17 win over New Orleans, owner Arthur Blank made a massive move. He fired head coach Raheem Morris and General Manager Terry Fontenot.
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So, while you might be looking for a game score, the real "points" are being tallied in the coaching search. The Falcons are currently in the middle of interviewing candidates to replace Morris. They are looking for someone who can finally get this roster—which features stars like Bijan Robinson and Kyle Pitts—over the hump and back into the postseason for the first time in nearly a decade.
What's Next for the Falcons?
Since there’s no game today, the focus shifts to the 2026 NFL Draft and free agency. Because they finished 8-9, they'll have a mid-round pick, likely around 14th or 15th overall.
Here is what the immediate future looks like for the team:
- Coaching Search: Expect a hire by the end of January.
- Draft Prep: Scouts are already descending on Mobile, Alabama, for the Senior Bowl.
- 2026 Opponents: We already know who they'll play next year. The schedule includes home games against the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers, along with the usual divisional rivals.
If you are a die-hard Falcons fan and just need a score to track today, you might look at the Air Force Falcons (college hockey). They are actually playing Holy Cross today, January 17, after a tough 3-2 overtime loss yesterday. But for the NFL squad in Atlanta, the lights are off at the stadium until the preseason.
Next Steps for Fans:
Keep an eye on the NFL Divisional Round results tonight to see who wins the Seahawks vs. 49ers game. That outcome will partially determine the final draft order for teams like the Falcons. You should also check the official Falcons team site later this week, as second-round coaching interviews are expected to begin on Monday.