If you woke up today, January 15, 2026, wondering who won the falcons game last night, you might be feeling a little bit of a headache. You probably scrolled through your sports apps or checked the scores, expecting to see a playoff recap.
But here’s the cold, hard truth that most Atlanta fans are still trying to swallow: There was no Falcons game last night.
While the NFL playoffs are currently tearing through the divisional round, the Atlanta Falcons are watching from the couch. It’s been eleven days since they last suited up. That final game was a weird, bittersweet 19-17 victory over the New Orleans Saints on January 4. It was a win that technically felt good because, well, it’s the Saints. But it also felt like a funeral because of what happened immediately afterward.
The Atlanta Falcons 2025-2026 Season: Close But Nowhere Near
Most people asking about the game "last night" are likely looking for playoff updates. In a world where we’ve seen the Falcons oscillate between "is this their year?" and "oh no, not again," the 2025-2026 campaign was a textbook case of the latter.
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They finished 8-9. Third in the NFC South.
Honestly, the division was so wide open that a single win in November—maybe that overtime heartbreaker against Carolina or the weird loss in Berlin to the Colts—would have changed everything. But it didn't. Instead, the Carolina Panthers took the division crown, and the Falcons were officially eliminated from playoff contention way back in Week 14 after losing to Seattle.
The Aftermath of That Last "Real" Game
If you missed the news following that January 4 finale, it was a total house cleaning. Arthur Blank didn't wait for the lockers to be packed. Hours after the Falcons beat the Saints, the team announced they were moving on from head coach Raheem Morris and General Manager Terry Fontenot.
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It was a shocker to some, but to anyone watching the "one-score game" curse haunt this team all year, it felt inevitable. They went 2-5 in games decided by a touchdown or less. That’s basically the definition of a team that can’t finish.
Why People Think There Was a Game Last Night
There are actually three very real reasons why you might have heard "Falcons" and "win" mentioned in the same breath over the last 24 hours. Sports can be confusing when you have multiple teams sharing the same name or playing on different levels.
- The Bowling Green Falcons: This is the most likely culprit. Last night, January 14, 2026, the Bowling Green State University women's basketball team went into Kalamazoo and handled business. They beat Western Michigan 61-54. It was a gritty MAC matchup where Lauren Gerken and Kaia Woods both dropped 15 points. If you saw a headline saying "Falcons Triumph on the Road," this was it.
- The Albany High Falcons: Up in New York, the Albany High boys' basketball team had a massive night yesterday. They beat Saratoga Springs 79-65. Sincere Allah and Rashan Johnson were absolutely dominant, combining for 49 points.
- UW-River Falls Falcons: On the collegiate hardwood in Wisconsin, the UW-River Falls Falcons also played last night, crushing UW-Eau Claire 69-47.
So, while the NFL's Atlanta Falcons were dormant, "Falcons" across the country were actually having a pretty successful Wednesday.
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Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Atlanta?
Since we know who won the falcons game last night (spoiler: it was Bowling Green), we have to look at when the Atlanta version will actually matter again. The 2026 offseason is officially the most important one in a decade for this franchise.
They’ve already locked in their 2026 opponents. It’s a tough slate. Because they finished third in the NFC South, they have to face the San Francisco 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs at home. That’s... not exactly a "get right" schedule.
Critical Milestones for the Falcons Offseason:
- The Head Coach Search: The biggest domino. Names like Ben Johnson or even a big swing at a veteran coach are floating around the Atlanta circles.
- The Quarterback Conundrum: Kirk Cousins is still there, but Michael Penix Jr. is the elephant in the room. Does the new regime commit to the rookie or keep the vet?
- Draft Strategy: Without a playoff game to prepare for, the scouting department is already deep into tape for the April draft. They need pass rushers. Badly.
The reality is that "last night" for Atlanta fans was just another night of watching other teams like the Seahawks and 49ers prep for the divisional round. It stings. Especially when you see the Rams—a team Atlanta beat in late December—still alive in the hunt.
If you're looking for football, the next meaningful snap for the Atlanta Falcons won't happen until the preseason in August 2026. Until then, you might want to keep an eye on the Bowling Green Falcons; at least they're actually winning games in January.
Next Steps for Fans:
If you want to stay ahead of the curve, start tracking the Falcons' head coaching interviews. The team usually begins these rounds in late January. You should also check the official NFL schedule release in May to see which of those heavy-hitter games (Chiefs, 49ers) will be the designated "International Game," as the Falcons are confirmed to host one overseas in 2026.