If you just pulled up your phone to check who is winning the Atlanta Falcons game, you might be surprised to find a scoreboard that looks a little... empty.
Here is the truth. The Falcons aren't playing today. As of January 16, 2026, the Atlanta Falcons’ 2025-2026 season is officially in the books. While the NFL playoffs are heating up with Divisional Round matchups like the Bills vs. Broncos and the Seahawks vs. 49ers, the Dirty Birds are back in Flowery Branch, likely watching from their couches just like us.
They ended their season on a high note, though. On January 4, 2026, the Falcons took down the New Orleans Saints with a narrow 19-17 victory. It was a classic NFC South scrap. Defensive back Dee Alford sealed the deal with a clutch red-zone interception late in the fourth quarter. It felt great in the moment. Beating the Saints always does. But the fallout since that whistle blew has been a total whirlwind.
The Aftermath of the Falcons vs. Saints Game
Winning that final game actually created a weird ripple effect across the league. By beating New Orleans, the Falcons effectively handed the NFC South division title to the Carolina Panthers. Talk about a bittersweet victory.
Even though Atlanta finished with an 8-9 record—the same as the Panthers and the Buccaneers—the tiebreakers weren't in their favor. They landed in third place. In the NFL, "almost" doesn't get you a playoff ticket.
The biggest shocker didn't happen on the field, though. It happened in the front office. Just hours after the win against New Orleans, the organization decided to clean house. Head coach Raheem Morris and General Manager Terry Fontenot were both let go. It’s a move that signaled the owner, Arthur Blank, is tired of the 8-9 purgatory. The Falcons are winning the "headline game" right now, but for all the wrong reasons if you’re looking for stability.
Why the 2026 Schedule Matters Today
Even though there isn't a live game on the grass today, the 2026 schedule is already set in stone. Because they finished third in the division, we now know exactly who they’ll face next year.
The "third-place" finish means they have to play a gauntlet of other third-place teams. We’re talking about home games against the San Francisco 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs. Yeah, that’s a tough draw. Honestly, it feels like the reward for a late-season winning streak was just a harder schedule for next fall.
- Home Opponents: Panthers, Saints, Buccaneers, Bears, Lions, Ravens, Bengals, 49ers, Chiefs.
- Away Opponents: Panthers, Saints, Buccaneers, Packers, Vikings, Browns, Steelers, Commanders.
One of those home games is going to be an international game, too. We don't know if it's London or Munich yet, but the Falcons are officially going global again in 2026.
Kirk Cousins and the Quarterback Question
You can't talk about who is winning the Atlanta Falcons game without talking about Kirk Cousins. He finished the season healthy, which was the number one goal, but the offensive output was inconsistent.
There is a lot of chatter right now about whether the next coaching regime will want to stick with Cousins or pivot to a younger option. While Cousins "won" the locker room this year, the scoreboard didn't always reflect it. The Falcons spent the end of the season relying heavily on Zane Gonzalez's leg—he kicked four field goals in that final Saints game—rather than finding the end zone.
That’s the core issue. You can’t win the big games if you can’t score six.
What Should Fans Do Now?
Since the Falcons aren't on the field today, the best way to stay engaged is to keep an eye on the coaching search. Names are flying around. Every big-shot offensive coordinator in the league is being linked to the job because, let’s be real, the roster is actually pretty talented. You've got Bijan Robinson and Drake London waiting for a system that actually maximizes them.
If you’re looking for live football action today, January 16, keep an eye on the playoff previews. The Divisional Round starts tomorrow, January 17. The 49ers and Seahawks are going to be a bloodbath.
Next Steps for Falcons Fans:
- Check the official Falcons social media for "Coach Search" updates—the interviews are happening as we speak.
- Watch the NFC Divisional games tomorrow to see the teams Atlanta will have to leapfrog next year.
- Keep an eye on the international game announcement, which usually drops later in the spring.
The Falcons might not be winning a game today, but the work to win in 2026 has already started.