Atlanta Falcons’ 2016 NFL schedule released

The Atlanta Falcons will have a very difficult schedule to navigate in the 2016 NFL season, seeking a trip to the NFC Playoffs after a three-year absence.

The Atlanta Falcons narrowly missed making the 2015 NFC Playoffs last season with an 8-8 regular season record, finishing in seventh place in the NFC. While Atlanta certainly caught some scheduling breaks last fall, it won’t be easy for the Falcons in 2016 as they will have to tackle one of the hardest schedules in the NFL.

Atlanta will play six games against the NFC South against their main rivals in Carolina Panthers, the New Orleans Saints, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, home and away for all three teams.

The Falcons draw the NFC West in their intra-conference rotation, playing the Arizona Cardinals and the San Francisco 49ers at home while getting the Los Angeles Rams and the Seattle Seahawks on the road.

In the AFC, Atlanta draws the AFC West in their inter-conference rotation, playing the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Diego Chargers at home, while getting the Denver Broncos and the Oakland Raiders on the road.

Atlanta finished in second place in the NFC South in 2015 behind only Carolina. To round out the Falcons’ 2016 NFL schedule, Atlanta will draw the second-place team from both the NFC East and the NFC North divisions, respectively: the Green Bay Packers at home and the Philadelphia Eagles on the road.

With their 16 games on the slate, the Falcons along with the 49ers have the toughest strength of schedule with their 2016 NFL season schedule. Their 2016 opponents went a combined 142-114 in 2015 for a .555 winning percentage.

On paper, Atlanta will have a difficult time with their 2016 NFL season schedule, as the Falcons fight for their first playoff berth since 2012. Ironically that was the last time the Falcons played the AFC West in its entirety, finishing 13-3 winning the NFC South and hosting the 2012 NFC Championship Game at the Georgia Dome.

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