FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — The Atlanta Falcons' schedule for the 2025 season has been unveiled, and this year's division stretch isn't so neatly laid out.
Last year, with five division games falling in the first 10 weeks of the season, the race for the NFC South was — on paper — a sprint stretch for Atlanta. This fall, the division race will be akin to an obstacle course with other teams scattered in between the key rivalries.
2025 SCHEDULE RELEASE
The Falcons start the season with a home matchup in Week 1 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who edged out Atlanta for the division title in Week 18. That will present a grudge match opportunity right out of the gates for the Falcons. Then, they turn around and face the Carolina Panthers in Week 3.
Two division games in the first four weeks dispersed around contests with the Minnesota Vikings and Washington Commanders is a good microcosm of the 2025 schedule. The focus will remain on the division, but there are plenty of other difficult opponents along the way.
Atlanta's next division stretch comes after its trip overseas. After playing the Indianapolis Colts in Berlin, Germany in Week 10, the Falcons return home to play the Panthers in Week 11 and then have a road trip against the New Orleans Saints in Week 12.
Not having a bye week after an international trip isn't an ideal situation for the Falcons, but returning to play two division foes, with whom the team should be very familiar, at least helps in some small fashion.
The Falcons then have a rematch of last year's Thursday-night shootout against the Buccaneers in Week 15 on "Thursday Night Football." It's late in the year to be playing a Thursday night game, but it will have the added benefit of giving Atlanta a mini bye week during the stretch run.
Atlanta closes out the 2025 regular season with a home game against the Saints.
So, that gives the Falcons two division matchups in their first four and last four games of the season. That would suggest that a strong start and strong finish are essential to a playoff push this season.
However, as we learned last year, every single week is important in the NFL. Winning the division games is important, yes, but so is navigating the obstacles that stand between those crucial contests.
