The NFL Season is nearly upon us. The season kicks off on Wednesday, September 9. Between now and then, we’ll be previewing all 32 NFL Teams along with playoff picks. One team will be previewed each day, beginning with the Super Bowl-winning Seahawks and ending with the New York Jets. Check back each day for the next installment!

The Falcons had promise in 2025, but it quickly faded away. The team wasn’t efficient on the field, the defense struggled, and Michael Penix, Jr., tore his ACL for a third time, ending his season. Quietly the Falcons finished 8-9, tied atop the NFC South, but were technically third and out of the playoffs. That led to sweeping changes, but will it make a difference in 2026? Let’s dive in.

Off-Season Changes

Out is Head Coach Raheem Morris, who fell short in two years at the helm. Kirk Cousins, a splashy signing during the off-season when Morris was hired, is also gone to the Raiders. Tyler Allgeier, perhaps the best No. 2 back in the league, is now in Arizona, while Darnell Mooney left to sign with the New York Giants. That leaves some holes to fill for new Head Coach Kevin Stefanski, in from a stint leading the Cleveland Browns.

With Penix on the mend, the team added another left-handed passer in veteran Tua Tagovailoa. With Penix still not cleared, it seems Tua will be the starter at least at the outset. The hope is he can return to the form he showed with Mike McDaniel in Miami in 2023. The team also added Brian Robinson, Jr., to provide depth in the backfield, while veteran tight end Austin Hooper returned to the Falcons. The team drafted Georgia receiver Zechariah Branch and added veterans Olameide Zaccheaus and Jahan Dotson to bolster the passing group.

Fantasy Impact

Tua figures to be the starter Week 1. Could we also see Penix? That seems probable. That makes either of them a tough bet season-long, but I lean toward Tua, and I think he has some QB2 upside. But I’d rather him as my QB3. Bijan Robinson is the man in the backfield, and he just got a big extension. He was RB2 in 2025. He’s an easy Top 3 option at the position and a great asset in fantasy.

In the passing game, the top receiver is Drake London, who got a big extension. He was injured last year, but still finished in WR2 range. He has WR1 upside with little competition for targets. I’m not bullish on any other WR in Atlanta, though Branch is an interesting dynasty stash. Kyle Pitts got the Franchise Tag and signed a long-term deal. He was TE2 last season and is the No. 2 option in this passing game. He’s a Top 12 TE option.

Prediction

The Falcons have the pieces to compete in a wide-open division. They could even come out on top. But I suspect they finish in the eight-to-nine-win range and fall just short of the playoffs. They could be in the quarterback market again next off-season.

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.