FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — There's no easing into the 2025 NFL season for the Atlanta Falcons. On the slate in Week 1: A division matchup against the reigning NFC South champs they intend to dethrone by year's end.
This game was always going to be an important one, regardless of where it fell on the schedule. That it comes at the start means it will also serve as a tone-setter for the season, making it even more meaningful.
"We've got to go find a way to win this football game, whatever that takes," Falcons head coach Raheem Morris said Monday.
Entering the year with a prove-it mentality, Atlanta can make a big statement. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have won the NFC South each of the last four years, and they have been picked by many to claim the title for a fifth time.
Nevertheless, the Falcons have reason to be confident heading into Sunday afternoon. They swept the Bucs in their season series last year for the first time since 2018, and they are 6-3 in home division games since 2022. With key additions on defense and Michael Penix Jr. stepping in on offense, Atlanta figures to have a few new looks in store for Tampa Bay.
The recent matchups between these two teams have been competitive. Each of the last four games have been decided by six points or fewer, the first such stretch in the 63-game history of this rivalry. In 2024, the Falcons won with a walk-off touchdown in overtime and by holding off a furious fourth-quarter rally by the Bucs.
"We are playing a big-time opponent," Morris said. "They have owned the division over the last couple of years. We played two great games last year against them, and not because we won the game, because they were really good games. They were fun games to watch. They were fun games to be a part of."
There are some parallel injury concerns for the two clubs. Tampa Bay will be without tackle Tristen Wirfs as well as receivers Chris Godwin and Jalen McMillan. Atlanta will be without tackle Kaleb McGary and receiver Darnell Mooney is day-to-day. However, the Bucs have a veteran club with consistency at several key spots.
That starts with quarterback Baker Mayfield, who picked up right where Tom Brady left off as the face of the franchise in 2023. He'll be working with his third offensive coordinator in as many seasons, but Mayfield has proven malleable as a centerpiece and is surrounded by a lot of talent.
Mike Evans' reputation speaks for itself at this point: He has reached 1,000 yards receiving in each of his 11 NFL seasons. The backfield tandem of Bucky Irving and Rachaad White poses problems for both the run defense and pass coverage, and they will likely serve as the offense's focal point due to the injuries at receiver. And while the Falcons will have four rookies playing significant defensive roles, the Bucs have first-round pick Emeka Egbuka at receiver. He drew rave reviews in camp and figures to start opposite of Evans.
Defensively, the Bucs love to attack. Tampa Bay had the second-highest blitz rate in the league last season at 38.9%, according to Next Gen Stats. The Bucs' 46 sacks were sixth-most in the NFL, and they also ranked fourth in rushing yards allowed per game.
There are no such things as must-win games in Week 1, but Sunday is unquestionably an opportunity to make an early statement. The Falcons have been waiting for the chance to prove themselves. That comes this weekend.
"We've got to come in with that right mindset," Penix said. "To come in to make sure that we dominate from the start of the game all the way to the finish and do whatever it takes to make sure that we come out on top."
