For the first time in years, the Falcons have high expectations. It’s not good enough to just end their postseason drought; the expectation around Atlanta is they’ll win the NFC South for the first time since 2016.
A lot of that has to do with Kirk Cousins and the $180 million veteran quarterback’s ability to elevate a talented, yet underachieving roster. Raheem Morris isn’t shying away from those expectations either. Atlanta’s new head coach has set the standard — winning the division.
There’s a ton to be excited for as a fan, and here are some of the games I’m most looking forward to. Below is the full schedule:
Week 1: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
Week 2: @Â Philadelphia Eagles, Monday Night Football
Week 3: vs. Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday Night Football
Week 4: vs. New Orleans Saints
Week 5: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Thursday Night Football
Week 6: @Â Carolina Panthers
Week 7: vs. Seattle Seahawks
Week 8: @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Week 9: vs. Dallas Cowboys
Week 10: @ New Orleans Saints
Week 11: @ Denver Broncos
Week 12: BYE WEEK
Week 13: vs. Los Angeles Chargers
Week 14: @Â Minnesota Vikings
Week 15: @ Las Vegas Raiders, Monday Night Football
Week 16: vs. New York Giants
Week 17: @Â Washington Commanders
Week 18: vs. Carolina Panthers
Week 1: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
This one is self-explanatory — “Arthur Smith returns to Atlanta.” We knew the Falcons would draw the Steelers this year, but kicking off the 2024 campaign with the matchup was new information.
Mike Tomlin and Pittsburgh are a formidable opponent who made the postseason with Kenny Pickett, Mitchell Trubisky, and Mason Rudolf starting games last year. That’s what kind of team Tomlin has in the Steelers. The injection of Russell Wilson and Arthur Smith should only benefit them; the Falcons will have their hands full.
Falcons fans, unlike Raheem Morris, will be out for blood. They’re still dragging Smith through the mud, deserved or not, and want their pound of flesh. They would love nothing more than to kick off this new era by beating their former head coach. This will certainly be one to watch.
Week 2: @Â Philadelphia Eagles, Monday Night Football
The Falcons haven’t had a Monday Night Football game since losing to the Green Bay Packers in 2020. What a way to start this season than at home against Arthur Smith then on the road in one of the most difficult places to play in the NFL on MNF? Lincoln Financial is going to be rocking, and the Falcons will be going into the lion’s den. If you’re brave enough, going to Philly on Monday Night Football might just be a bucket list-type game.
Week 3: vs. Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday Night Football
Back at home the following week for Sunday Night Football against the reigning Super Bowl champions? Count me in. I might not go to Week 2, but I will be in the building for Week 1 and 3. Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, Taylor Swift, Andy Reid in primetime? Come on! I believe the last time the Falcons were on SNF was in 2019 against the Eagles.
Week 9: vs. Dallas Cowboys
It’s America’s Team. It has to be on the list, right? Dak Prescott and Jerry Jones come to Mercedes-Benz Stadium in one of the most star-studded matchups on the Falcons schedule. This very well could play a role in the NFC postseason picture (as well as Week 2) if the Falcons don’t win their division. Any chance you get to see the Dallas Cowboys, you have to go.
Week 14: @Â Minnesota Vikings
The Kirk Cousins revenge game. Also, U.S. Bank Stadium might be the loudest in the NFL; it’s certainly up there. There’s one explanation needed. If you like road trips, this one has to be on the calendar.
Week 15: @ Las Vegas Raiders, Monday Night Football
Did someone say road trips? Depending on the kind of Falcons fans you are, you’ve had to rely heavily on alcohol to get you through these past few seasons. What better way to celebrate Atlanta’s first postseason berth since 2017 than in Vegas watching the Falcons on Monday Night Football? Allegiant Stadium is a spectacle and should be a bucket list stadium to visit.
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Photographer: David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire
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