Falcons Game-by-Game Schedule Prediction: Can Atlanta Make Playoffs?
Now that the Atlanta Falcons 2023 schedule has officially been released let's predict how the team will perform regarding wins and losses this upcoming season.
Here's a glimpse at the Falcons' schedule:
Week 1 vs. Panthers - September 10, 1 p.m.
Likely facing No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young in his debut game, I like our secondary to give the Alabama product fits and allow Atlanta to walk away with a dub at home to kick off the season.
Record: 1-0
Week 2 vs. Packers - September 17, 1 p.m.
Coming off of their Week 1 win, the Falcons will again find themselves facing off against an inexperienced quarterback in newly promoted starter Jordan Love in what will likely be a nail-biter as Desmond Ridder also looks to find his footing as a starter. I'm betting on the best player on the field winning the game, and that's Falcons rookie Bijan Robinson.
Record: 2-0
Week 3 @ Lions - September 24, 1 p.m.
Detroit narrowly missed the playoffs last season, and I expect this to be the year they finally get over the hump. Expect Bijan to ball out as he looks to outshine fellow first-round running back Jahmyr Gibbs, but likely come up short against the hungry Lions.
Record: 2-1
Week 4 @ Jaguars [In London] - October 1, 9:30 a.m.
Going across the pond to face Jacksonville means that this game will be a battle of who handles jet lag the best. Considering that the Jags were barely impacted playing in Arrowhead during the playoffs, I like them to survive the environment best and defeat Atlanta.
Record: 2-2
Week 5 vs. Texans - October 8, 1 p.m.
Despite cooling off from their 2-0 start, the Falcons aren't a bad team...unlike Houston, who they should dominate in Week 5.
Record: 3-2
Week 6 vs. Commanders - October 15, 1 p.m.
Another week, another scrub, another dub. I expect the Commanders to be a bottom-feeding team starting Sam Howell this season.
Record: 4-2
Week 7 @ Buccaneers - October 22, 1 p.m.
Oh, how the mighty have fallen. Without Tom Brady, I expect Tampa Bay to face an identity crisis, but I'm willing to narrowly give the home-field advantage to the divisional rival Bucs due to their elite tandem of Mike Evans and Chris Godwin.
Record: 4-3
Week 8 @ Titans - October 29, 1 p.m.
Move over, King Henry! Tennessee is a true wildcard this season, but it's hard to imagine Bijan doesn't run with some extra grit against one of the league's most dominant rushers in recent history [albeit an aging one]. I'm trusting the young phenom to have a statement game.
Record: 5-3
Week 9 vs. Vikings - November 5, 1 p.m.
If it's 1 p.m., never bet against Kirk Cousins. Atlanta is good, but even they can't hold off the GOAT of afternoon games.
Record: 5-4
Week 10 @ Cardinals - November 12, 4:05 p.m.
Going from big dogs in Week 9, where the Vikings are likely divisional leaders, to a team that just had the No. 3 overall pick and has a little fella at quarterback. Gimme the young and gritty Falcons to take a win headed into the BYE.
Record: 6-4
Week 11 vs. (BYE) - November 26
A BYE week for the boys as they rest up for a divisional matchup.
Record: 7-4
Week 12 vs. Saints - November 26, 1 p.m.
Knock knock. WHO DAT? Not the divisional winners in 2023. Chris Olave and Derek Carr should form a nice duo, but the young and rested get it done at home.
Record: 8-4
Week 13 @ Jets - December 3, 1 p.m.
Aaron Rodgers is just different. Surrounded by young playmakers, I expect this game to serve as a reality check for Atlanta.
Record: 8-5
Week 14 vs. Buccaneers - December 10, 1 p.m.
This could serve as a revenge game for the Falcons as they look to assert themselves as the NFC South frontrunner down the stretch. The passing of the torch begins now as Atlanta wins at home.
Record: 9-5
Week 15 @ Panthers - TBD
Going back to back, like they're Drake in 2015, the Falcons complete a season sweep of the Panthers in Carolina.
Record: 10-5
Week 16 vs. Colts - December 24, 1 p.m.
Anthony Richardson is an athletic freak...too bad he's underdeveloped as a passer and going up against A.J. Terrell and Jessie Bates III. The secondary should feast in this one.
Record: 11-5
Week 17 @ Bears - December 31, 1 p.m.
Chicago should be bone-chilling cold at this point in the season, and Justin Fields should be much improved and adjusted at this point in his career when it comes to this weather especially considering that he played ball at THE Ohio State University. I think the boys could freeze up in this game.
Record: 11-6
Week 18 @ Saints - January 7, TBD
This one may very well be the deciding factor for the divisional crown. It should be close, but in New Orleans...going to favor the hometown team.
Final Record: 11-7
Will this get them into the playoffs?
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