Coming into the season, the Falcons‘ schedule was considered one of the easiest in the league. By Vegas’ win total or 2022 win percentage, Atlanta’s opponents were among the worst in football. The same is true entering Week 8. The rest of the Falcons’ schedule is filled with sub-.500 records.
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Week 8: At Tennessee Titans (2-4)
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Week 9: Minnesota Vikings (3-4)
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Week 10: At Arizona Cardinals (1-6)
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Week 11: BYE
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Week 12: Vs. New Orleans Saints (3-4)
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Week 13: At New York Jets (3-3)
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Week 14: Vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-4)
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Week 15: At Carolina Panthers (0-6)
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Week 16: Vs. Indianapolis Colts (3-4)
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Week 17: At Chicago Bears (2-5)
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Week 18: At New Orleans Saints (3-4)
Obviously, the talent discrepancy in the NFL is razor thin. There are no ‘gimme’ games in this league. With that being said, there isn’t a single opponent over .500 on the schedule.
Right now, the Falcons’ opponents have a combined record of 22-44, including the 0-6 Panthers and 3-4 Buccaneers and Saints. There’s absolutely no reason for the Falcons not to punch their ticket to the postseason.
Winning the division should be the priority, and it looks extremely attainable. The Saints appear disheveled with Derek Carr and Pete Carmichael Jr. trying to get the offense off the ground. The Buccaneers are regressing with Baker Mayfield under center, dropping one to the Bills on Thursday Night Football.
There’s concern about Atlanta’s offensive shortcomings, but they’re an ascending unit, whereas the concerns about the other teams in the division seem more permanent. The Falcons might not face a single playoff team for the rest of the regular season; that has to lead to a postseason berth.
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Photographer: Ken Murray/Icon Sportswire
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