ATLANTA, GEORGIA - AUGUST 23: Kirk Cousins #18 of the Atlanta Falcons warms up prior to an NFL preseason game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on August 23, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
Atlanta has suffered three consecutive 7-10 campaigns, which have caused them to miss the postseason. At one point, 2023 seemed promising, as the Falcons got off to a 2-0 start, propelling them to a 4-3 record after week seven. Atlanta sat at the top of the NFC South at 6-6 following their week 13 win over the Jets.
Struggles caught up, and the Falcons lost four of the last five to fall to third place in the division. Coach Arthur Smith was relieved of his duties following the season’s end. Desmond Ridder started in 13 games, throwing over 3,500 yards while tossing 12 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.
Raheem Morris returned for a second stint after being hired as the next head coach. Morris served as the team’s defensive backs coach in 2019 and defensive coordinator in 2020.
Ex-Minnesota quarterback Kirk Cousins joined the Falcons for four seasons since there was uncertainty at the quarterback position. Cousins is a proven veteran who can help Drake London, Kyle Pitts and Bijan Robinson play to their potential. Atlanta made several under-the-radar moves in securing Ray-Ray McCloud III, Charlie Woerner and Darnell Mooney. In addition, the Falcons signed Kevin King and Antonio Hamilton to bolster the defensive backroom.
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Despite signing Cousins, Washington’s Michael Penix Jr. was picked eighth overall in a shocking move. Penix was 2024’s sixth-ranked quarterback and will succeed Cousins after his contract expires. In rounds two and three, Atlanta picked to fill defensive needs; they chose Ruke Orhorhoro and Bralen Trice.
Atlanta has one of the NFL’s manageable schedules. The slate is headlined by teams such as the Eagles, Chiefs, Seahawks, Cowboys and Chargers. Arthur Smith comes back to town in week one, as the Falcons will square off against the Steelers. Cousins will see two familiar stadiums he has played in: U.S. Bank Stadium and Commanders Field (formerly FedEx Field). Atlanta will play the Vikings and Commanders in those games.
With a new coach present, Atlanta will likely climb out of mediocrity since they have the offensive talent to win them games.
| WK | DATE | OPP | TIME | TV | VENUE | BUY TICKETS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sep 8, 2024 | vs Pittsburgh | 1:00 pm | FOX | Mercedes-Benz Stadium | Tickets Starting at $197.88 |
| 2 | Sep 16, 2024 | @ Philadelphia | 8:15 pm | ESPN | Lincoln Financial Field | Tickets Starting at $205.00 |
| 3 | Sep 22, 2024 | vs Kansas City | 8:20 pm | NBC | Mercedes-Benz Stadium | Tickets Starting at $165.00 |
| 4 | Sep 29, 2024 | vs New Orleans | 1:00 pm | FOX | Mercedes-Benz Stadium | Tickets Starting at $64.00 |
| 5 | Oct 3, 2024 | vs Tampa Bay | 8:15 pm | AMZN | Mercedes-Benz Stadium | Tickets Starting at $28.42 |
| 6 | Oct 13, 2024 | @ Carolina | 4:25 pm | FOX | Bank of America Stadium | Tickets Starting at $29.00 |
| 7 | Oct 20, 2024 | vs Seattle | 1:00 pm | FOX | Mercedes-Benz Stadium | Tickets Starting at $38.76 |
| 8 | Oct 27, 2024 | @ Tampa Bay | 1:00 pm | FOX | Raymond James Stadium | Tickets Starting at $54.00 |
| 9 | Nov 3, 2024 | vs Dallas | 1:00 pm | FOX | Mercedes-Benz Stadium | Tickets Starting at $55.00 |
| 10 | Nov 10, 2024 | @ New Orleans | 1:00 pm | FOX | Caesars Superdome | Tickets Starting at $42.00 |
| 11 | Nov 17, 2024 | @ Denver | 4:05 pm | FOX | Empower Field at Mile High | Tickets Starting at $93.50 |
| 12 | — | BYE | — | — | — | — |
| 13 | Dec 1, 2024 | vs L.A. Chargers | 1:00 pm | Mercedes-Benz Stadium | Tickets Starting at $49.00 | |
| 14 | Dec 8, 2024 | @ Minnesota | 1:00 pm | FOX | U.S. Bank Stadium | Tickets Starting at $38.38 |
| 15 | Dec 16, 2024 | @ Las Vegas | 8:30 pm | ESPN | Allegiant Stadium | Tickets Starting at $167.00 |
| 16 | Dec 22, 2024 | vs N.Y. Giants | 1:00 pm | FOX | Mercedes-Benz Stadium | Tickets Starting at $53.04 |
| 17 | Dec 29, 2024 | @ Washington | TBA | — | Northwest Stadium | Tickets Starting at $39.78 |
| 18 | Jan 5, 2025 | vs Carolina | TBA | — | Mercedes-Benz Stadium | Tickets Starting at $35.00 |
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