Calvin Ridley, Atlanta Falcons. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
The Atlanta Falcons should be in the mix for a playoff spot next year in the NFC. Here is a game-by-game breakdown of how their 2020 season is going to go.
The Atlanta Falcons need to right the ship after two straight sub-.500 years under head coach Dan Quinn. The Dirty Birds are only four years removed from nearly winning a Super Bowl and three from nearly getting back to an NFC Championship. However, disappointment in crunch time has become their calling card in recent seasons. Will they be able to fix this in 2020?
After a disastrous 1-7 start to 2019, the Falcons bounced back to go 6-2 in the second half of their season. The campaign might have already been lost, but there were plenty of positive signs from Atlanta in the second half. Maybe it parlays into something nice in 2020? Could the Falcons get back into the NFC playoffs after a two-year absence?
This fall, Atlanta inherits a second-place schedule. The Falcons will play all three of their division rivals twice, the NFC North in its entirety and the AFC West in its entirety. It’s not an easy slate of games, but Atlanta’s strength in divisional play, as well as some favorable home dates could ultimately serve them. Will it be enough to get back to the postseason, though?
Here is a week-by-week breakdown of how the Falcons’ season will inevitably shake out in 2020.
Weeks 1-4
Prediction
Seattle Seahawks
24
Atlanta Falcons
23
Mentor vs. protege. Stop if you’ve heard this one before. Though the Falcons have gotten the best of Pete Carroll’s Seattle Seahawks before, this will be one of the hardest home games for the Dirty Birds this season. Atlanta is at a quarterbacking disadvantage, a head coaching disadvantage and isn’t as good defensively. It’ll be close, but Carroll will break Quinn’s heart. Seahawks, 24-23.
Prediction
Atlanta Falcons
23
Dallas Cowboys
20
When Atlanta goes to Jerryworld, the Falcons need to leave with a victory. A crucial game that is part of their second-place schedule, the winner of this one will go a long way in terms of tie-breaking procedures in the NFC. With Atlanta having the better quarterback and more continuity on the coaching staff, it will be a sad Monday morning for Cowboys fans. Falcons, 23-20.
Prediction
Chicago Bears
17
Atlanta Falcons
27
If the Falcons want to reach the postseason, they must find a way to keep the Chicago Bears at bay when they face off. Chicago has the better defense, but Atlanta has the better offense. If Matt Ryan needs to go into a slight shootout to edge out Nick Foles for the win, he is more than equipped to do so. The Bears keep it close until the end, but Atlanta wins easily. Falcons, 27-17.
Prediction
Atlanta Falcons
18
Green Bay Packers
23
While the Green Bay Packers are not going 13-3 again in 2020, this Falcons team is not dynamic enough to go on the road and beat the Packers in Lambeau. Matt Ryan and Aaron Rodgers have had their fair share of battles, but this one is going to Mr. Discount Double Check. To say this will be a marquee win for Green Bay will be pushing it, but Atlanta’s not winning. Packers, 23-18.