Score predictions for each game on the Falcons’ 2025 schedule

The Atlanta Falcons have their schedule for the 2025 NFL season, and it’s setting up to be one of the most exciting years in recent memory. The team has a handful of prime-time games, a matchup in Germany, and a season finale against its most-hated rival.

Last season, the Falcons finished second in the NFC South with an 8-9 record. After adding two first-round edge rushers in the 2025 NFL draft, the team has a real chance to win the division for the first time since 2016.

Now that we have the full schedule, it’s time for our way-too-early score predictions for each Falcons game.

The Falcons swept the Buccaneers last season, but Tampa Bay got the last laugh by winning the division once again. Kirk Cousins seemed to have the Bucs’ number, and I think Penix will give their defense even more trouble. Atlanta opens up the season with a hard-fought win. Pick: Falcons 23, Buccaneers 21

Week 2: At Minnesota Vikings, 8:20 p.m. ET, Sept. 14, NBC

In Week 2, Penix will face off against another former top-10 QB from the 2024 draft class in J.J. McCarthy. The Vikings were dominant last season, and while I think they can eventually succeed with McCarthy, they should struggle early in the year. The Falcons win a low-scoring game on “Sunday Night Football.” Pick: Falcons 17, Vikings 10

Carolina put on an offensive showcase in the 2024 season finale, defeating the Falcons in overtime. After a 2-0 start, I think Atlanta keeps things rolling in Week 3 against Bryce Young and a feisty Panthers team.  Pick: Falcons 24, Panthers 23

Week 4: vs. Washington Commanders, 1 p.m. ET, Sept. 28

The Falcons had no answer for rookie Jayden Daniels last season, and I don’t think their offseason additions will be enough to slow him down in 2025. I think Atlanta takes its first loss of the year here against Daniels and the Commanders in Week 4. Pick: Falcons 21, Commanders 28

Week 5: BYE

The Falcons have an early bye this season. It’s a good time to get some rest but leaves the team with a long stretch of games over the second half.

Week 6: vs. Buffalo Bills, 7:10 p.m. ET, Oct. 13, ESPN

On paper, this is the most exciting game on Atlanta’s 2025 schedule. Josh Allen and the Bills are Super Bowl contenders, allowing the Falcons to see how they match up on national television. It will be a close game but I think Atlanta’s defense will struggle containing Allen down the stretch. Pick: Falcons 19, Bills 24

Week 7: At San Francisco 49ers, 8:20 p.m. ET, Oct. 19, NBC

Even after making some drastic changes, the 49ers are going to be tough this season. Head coaches Raheem Morris and Kyle Shanahan know each other well, but I think San Francisco gets the edge here on Sunday Night Football. Pick: Falcons 14, 49ers 20

Week 8: vs. Miami Dolphins, 1 p.m. ET, Oct. 26

This Week 8 matchup should be an offensive showcase, but neither defense is overly intimidating. I think the Falcons will get things going in front of their fans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium and send the Dolphins home with a loss. Pick: Falcons 31, Dolphins 27

This is a sneaky tough game that most analysts and oddmakers will favor the Falcons in, but the Patriots should be much improved in 2025. Still, I think the Falcons are the more complete team and will pull away in the fourth quarter of this Week 9 matchup. Pick: Falcons 23, Patriots 17

All bets are off on this early morning matchup in Germany. The Colts are still hoping to get more out of Anthony Richardson, but they’re a talented team overall. I like Atlanta to leave Germany with a win behind a dominant performance from Michael Penix Jr. Pick: Falcons 30, Colts 20

Week 11: vs. Carolina Panthers, 1 p.m. ET, Nov. 16

In Week 11, I think the Panthers will get some payback for their early season road loss. While Bryce Young has shown some inconsistency, he’s starting to figure it out and could have a breakout year in 2025. The Falcons will split their season series with Carolina, losing the second matchup here on the road.  Pick: Falcons 21, Panthers 31

Week 12: At New Orleans Saints, 4:25 p.m. ET, Nov. 23

Since the Saints don’t have a starting-caliber quarterback on their roster right now, it’s hard to imagine this game being competitive. Derek Carr retired and New Orleans drafted Tyler Shough in the second round. Give me Atlanta in a lopsided road win. Pick: Falcons 34, Saints 21

Week 13: At New York Jets, 1 p.m. ET, Nov. 30

The Jets are another team that’s tough to predict going into 2025. They have a ton of talent and a new head coach who’s smart enough to avoid the headache that is Aaron Rodgers. Still, I expect there to be an adjustment period in New York and think the Falcons can escape with a narrow win. Pick: Falcons 17, Jets 13

Week 14: vs. Seattle Seahawks, 1 p.m. ET, Dec. 7

Seattle has made drastic changes since the start of the offseason. The Seahawks swapped out Geno Smith for Sam Darnold at quarterback. This may have been a good long-term move, I don’t think Darnold will have the same success against the Falcons that he did as a Viking last season. The Falcons win a thriller in Week 14. Pick: Falcons 26, Seattle 24

Week 15: At Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 8:15 p.m. ET, Dec 11

Atlanta’s luck against the Buccaneers will run out here in Week 15. After winning three straight games over their division rivals, I think the Falcons will take a loss on the road to split the season series with Tampa Bay.  Pick: Falcons 23, Buccaneers 31

Week 16: At Arizona Cardinals, 4:05 p.m. ET, Dec. 21

The Cardinals are improving, yet they’re still tough to buy into as a contender. It’s always difficult to play on the road in Arizona, but I think the Falcons have too much offensive firepower to be stopped here in Week 16. Pick: Falcons 27, Cardinals 20

Week 17: vs. Los Angeles Rams, 8:15 p.m. ET, Dec. 29, ESPN

These two teams have plenty of coaching connections. The Rams were a play away from knocking off the Eagles in the playoffs last season, and they’re still plenty dangerous. Matthew Stafford will have a big day against the Falcons secondary on Monday Night Football. Pick: Falcons 17, Rams 24

Week 18: vs. New Orleans Saints, Date TBD

While I don’t think the Saints will be a pushover this time around, I don’t think they will win either. The Falcons will end the season with a bounce-back win over New Orleans at home. Could they be headed to the postseason? Pick: Falcons 28, Saints 21

Falcons final record prediction: 11-6

Editor’s Note: This story was originally published on May 14