For the Atlanta Falcons, the past eight seasons have been a tough ride, filled with more downs than ups and a playoff drought stretching back to 2017. But there's a growing buzz that 2026 might just be the year things turn around for this resilient squad.
In a recent analysis, NFL.com's Jeremy Bergman ranked the Falcons as the second most likely team to end a lengthy playoff drought, just behind their NFC South rivals, the New Orleans Saints. Now, that's a statement that should have Falcons fans sitting up and taking notice.
Bergman points out that while the Falcons have been stuck in a rut of losing seasons, they haven't exactly been pushovers. They've hovered in that frustrating middle ground - not quite contenders, but not bottom-feeders either.
The 2026 season, however, offers a golden opportunity. With the NFC South wide open after a three-way tie at 8-9 last season, the division is anyone's for the taking.
Atlanta was right there, neck and neck with Carolina and Tampa Bay, missing out on the title by the slimmest of margins.
The Saints, though, are the big hurdle. They're favored to take the NFC South crown, largely due to their quarterback situation.
Tyler Shough, who showed flashes of brilliance in his rookie season, gives New Orleans a solid foundation to build upon. The Saints have a clear plan, and that continuity is a significant advantage.
Atlanta, on the other hand, is still figuring out its quarterback puzzle. With Kevin Stefanski at the helm and Tommy Rees as the offensive coordinator, the Falcons are in a transition phase.
Whether Michael Penix Jr. or Tua Tagovailoa takes the reins as the starting QB is still up in the air. It’s a bit of a gamble, but not without potential rewards.
Despite these uncertainties, the Falcons have plenty to feel optimistic about. Last season, their defense was a force, finishing second in the league in sacks.
The secondary is packed with talent, providing a sturdy backbone for the team. Offensively, the trio of Bijan Robinson, Drake London, and Kyle Pitts gives Atlanta a powerful arsenal that can compete with any team in the division.
The pieces are there; it's just a matter of putting them together. While the Saints might have the edge in quarterback stability, the Falcons boast a roster brimming with talent. If they can find the right rhythm, there's every chance they could break their playoff curse and make a serious run in 2026.
In short, the Falcons have the tools to make this season a turning point. With a bit of luck and some strategic play-calling, the opportunity to soar is finally within reach.
In Other News...
Falcons Linked To Another QB Idea Fans Will Absolutely Hate
The Falcons are still navigating a quarterback transition that already has plenty of eyes on it, with Michael Penix Jr. and Tua Tagovailoa set to compete for the Week 1 job once training camp opens July 29. For now, Atlanta is trying to sort out which direction gives it the best chance to stabilize the position, and the team is expected to keep evaluating its options after the season as the picture becomes clearer.
Against that backdrop, any new quarterback speculation is going to land with a thud, especially if it points toward a midseason reset. Bleacher Reports Moe Moton floated another possibility for Atlanta if the team is hovering around .500 near the trade deadline, but even that framing came with a strong warning that it would not be the best move for the Falcons. [Read more 🡒]
Falcons May Finally Have A Real Answer For Their Biggest Need
The Falcons biggest roster question still sits inside, where the defensive line has been too light on disruption and too thin in rotation. A recent 2027 mock draft from Pro Football Sports Network tries to answer that by sending Oklahoma defensive tackle David Stone to Atlanta, a projection that would give the front seven a much-needed jolt of size and interior presence if things break that way over the next couple of draft cycles.
Stones appeal is obvious for a team looking to reshape the middle of its defense. At 6-foot-3 and 310 pounds, he has the kind of frame that lets him line up in multiple spots up front, and his production at Oklahoma has already started to match the billing. The Falcons can still use help at receiver around Drake London and Zachariah Branch, but the more immediate hole remains the one in the trenches, where a true answer could change the look of the defense for years. [Read more 🡒]
Falcons Legend Just Weighed In On Harold Perkins For A Reason
Jessie Tuggle does not hand out praise lightly, so when the former All-Pro linebacker spoke glowingly about Harold Perkins Jr., it fit the kind of buzz the Falcons have been building around their rookie class. Atlanta took the versatile inside linebacker in the sixth round of the 2026 NFL Draft, betting on a player whose stock once looked far higher before a torn ACL altered his path. Even with the injury history, Perkins has kept showing the athleticism and range that made him one of the more intriguing defensive prospects in the class.
For the Falcons, the appeal goes beyond the draft slot. Their defense took a real step forward in 2025 under Jeff Ulbrich, with AJ Terrell and Jessie Bates helping set the tone, and adding another fast, flexible piece to the middle of the field makes sense for a unit trying to keep climbing. Perkins is still in the prove-it stage, but Tuggle's interest is a reminder of why Atlanta took the swing in the first place, and why the next layer of the linebacker rotation is worth watching closely. [Read more 🡒]