3 games on the Atlanta Falcons schedule that could change the season

Looking at the Atlanta Falcons schedule layout, arguably the biggest possible pivot for the season is week four. The first three weeks of the season, the Falcons face the Steelers, Eagles and Chiefs. Reasonable expectations would be a 1-2 record heading into week four.

With an easy finish on the back end, the Falcons simply need to survive the first part of the season. Going 2-2 gives them that chance while a 1-3 start is going to be tough to come out of. New Orleans is a veteran that causes concern based solely on history and the hatred between the two teams.

On paper, the Falcons are a much more talented group and should win this game. However, this has been the case in the past for both sides and this is not how the game is played. Atlanta needs to escape the first four weeks of the season at 2-2 and give itself a chance to take advantage of an easy schedule at the end of the year.

After Week 8, the Falcons will only have two division games remaining after a busy schedule ahead. This game could be crucial to steal despite being on the road in Tampa. Dallas comes to town after this game and will almost assuredly be heavily favored.

Winning this game gives you some margin for error before facing the best remaining team on the schedule. This also provides the opportunity to ensure the security of the division. Even if you lose to the Bucs at home, take care of business in Week 4 and in your first game against Carolina.

If Atlanta does this and wins Game 2 against Tampa, they are in a great position to win the division title. It’s important to remember that this Tampa team won the division twice without posting double-digit wins. This will remain a close race even if Atlanta struggles out of the gate. Winning Game 2 and going 3-1 in your first four division games should allow Atlanta to maintain control of the division.

Playing late in the season at Minnesota in a return game for Kirk Cousins ​​promises to be tough. If, however, the Falcons can find a way to do this, they have a chance to win and make the playoffs.

After traveling to Minnesota, the Falcons will face the Raiders, Giants, Commanders and Panthers to finish the season. If Kirk Cousins ​​is healthy and lives up to expectations, it would be surprising to not see Atlanta favored in each of these games.

If the Falcons beat the Vikings, that should at worst give them the chance to finish the season 4-1 and gain some momentum heading into the first round. Winning in Minnesota could set the tone for what should be a hot finale.