After the Atlanta Falcons confirmed Michael Penix’s injury will keep him out for the remainder of the season, all eyes turn to Kirk Cousins.
There are plenty of doubts surrounding Cousins, but I still believe he can be an effective quarterback in NFL games today. When you look at Kirk Cousins’ stats, his experience and leadership are undeniable.
The key to his success will be leaning consistently on Bijan Robinson and Drake London. With a strong defense and a respectable offense, this team has shown it can compete despite all the NFL rumors swirling around them.
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Kirk Cousins Will Guide the Atlanta Falcons Into the NFL Playoffs
Kirk Cousins had two inconsistent spells with Washington and Minnesota, showing flashes of high-level play but never fully living up to the massive contracts he earned.
Now, the question for Atlanta is whether they should take risks this season or wait for their franchise quarterback to return — a quarterback who hasn’t played at the expected level even before the injury. With the NFL playoff picture tightening, the Falcons don’t have time to hesitate.
Atlanta Falcons Playmakers
With 783 yards and four touchdowns, when used correctly, Bijan Robinson has been almost unstoppable. He’s a modern running back, creating impact as both a powerful rusher and a dangerous receiving threat. One of my favorite players going forward, Robinson is clearly here to stay and continues to headline NFL news updates weekly.
Drake London has broken out in the 2025–26 season, and I celebrated like crazy when I traded for him in my fantasy league. However, a late-season injury could slow him down. Like Robinson, London has always had elite talent, but consistency has been his biggest battle. His situation is already part of ongoing trade rumors, given Atlanta’s future quarterback outlook.
Falcons NFL Schedule
Sitting at 3–7 and third in the NFC South, many believe the Falcons’ season is over — but I disagree. Their upcoming NFL schedule features the Saints and Jets, two matchups that could help Cousins get into rhythm early. After that, they face the Seahawks and Buccaneers, two potent offenses. The results of these games will shape how their season unfolds.
Cousins has a chip on his shoulder, and nobody believes in the Falcons, which makes them a perfect candidate for an underdog resurgence. None of their next three games are in primetime, which plays into Cousins’ strengths. And as we’ve seen in NFL today updates, momentum can shift fast.
In a season full of uncertainty, injuries, and swirling NFL rumors, Atlanta still has a realistic path to fight their way back into the NFL playoff picture.