2025 NFL Preview: Atlanta Falcons Season Outlook, Schedule & Prediction
2025 ATLANTA FALCONS SEASON PREVIEW
It was a complete tale of two seasons for the Atlanta Falcons last season. Kirk Cousins for off to a quick start and this helped Atlanta win six of its first nine games. From there, Cousins began turning the ball over and Atlanta lost four straight games to put their postseason hopes in jeopardy. The Falcons eventually made the move to Michael Penix Jr. late in the season. A loss to the Washington Commanders in Week 17 all but ended the season for Atlanta.
OFFENSE
It was a complete surprise when the Falcons selected Michael Penix Jr. with the eighth-overall pick in 2024. Especially after giving Kirk Cousins a deal north of $100 million that same year. Well, it is now time for Penix to prove that the Falcons did not make a mistake.
Penix got the chance to start the final three games of the season and is No. 1 on the depth chart entering 2025. There are plenty of weapons around the young quarterback. It begins with Bijan Robinson. He is one of the best backs in the league after totaling 1,456 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns last season. The duo of Robinson and Tyler Allgeier is among the best in the league.
The Falcons also have a capable group of pass catchers. Drake London has emerged into a legitimate No. 1 threat within the offense. Darnell Mooney came close to 1,000 yards last season while many continue to wait on the breakout season from Kyle Pitts.
Atlanta returns many starters this season. The one change will be losing center Drew Dalman in free agency. Ryan Neuzil will come in to take over his spot. On the interior, Chris Lindstrom is one of the best guards in the league. He will be joined by Matthew Bergeron on the other side.
Jake Matthews returns at 33 years old to take his spot at left tackle. For now, that is not a problem in Atlanta. The right side is in even better shape with elite right tackle Kaleb McGary.
Penix is in a position to be successful and it will be up to him to take that next step.
DEFENSE
While the Falcons’ offense has just one new starter, the defense will bring in many more.
Atlanta’s biggest problem was an inability to get to the quarterback. This led to signing veteran Leonard Floyd and be aggressive in the draft. The Falcons used two first-round picks on the edge with Jalon Walker and James Pearce.
Grady Jarrett was a massive loss in free agency and one that will hurt Atlanta early on as it works in new options. David Onyemata and Duke Orhorhoro are expected to make up the duo on the interior.
Jessie Bates returns in the secondary but he will be joined by newcomers Jordan Fuller and rookie Xavier Watts. The corners will have some carryover as AJ Terrell and Mike Hughes return.
The defense, once again, is a huge question mark in Atlanta.
SCHEDULE
Week 1: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Week 2: at Minnesota Vikings (Sunday Night)
Week 3: at Carolina Panthers
Week 4: vs. Washington Commanders
Week 5: BYE WEEK
Week 6: vs. Buffalo Bills (Monday Night)
Week 7: at San Francisco 49ers (Sunday Night)
Week 8: vs. Miami Dolphins
Week 9: at New England Patriots
Week 10: vs. Indianapolis Colts (London)
Week 11: vs. Carolina Panthers
Week 12: at New Orleans Saints
Week 13: at New York Jets
Week 14: vs. Seattle Seahawks
Week 15: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Week 16: at Arizona Cardinals
Week 17: vs. Los Angeles Rams (Monday Night)
Week 18: vs. New Orleans Saints
Record Prediction: 9-8