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Atlanta Falcons 2017 schedule release: Games, dates and times

By John Buhler

Feb 5, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) against the New England Patriots during Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 5, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) against the New England Patriots during Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Atlanta Falcons went 11-5 en route to Super Bowl LI. They will inherit a first-place schedule for 2017. Can Atlanta get back to the Super Bowl?

Last season was a great year in Atlanta Falcons football. The team won its first division crown in four years, going 11-5. Atlanta also made it to its second Super Bowl in franchise history. Unfortunately, their second-half collapse against the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LI was unforgettable.

Because Atlanta won the NFC South, the Falcons will have to navigate a first-place schedule. They will have two play their NFC South rivals six times, the entire AFC East and the entire NFC North this years. Atlanta also draws the Dallas Cowboys and the Seattle Seahawks this fall to even out competitive balance. Let’s take a look at what the Falcons are up against this season.

These are the home and road opponents in 2017:

Home: New Orleans, Carolina, Tampa Bay, Green Bay, Minnesota, Buffalo, Miami, Dallas

Away: New Orleans, Carolina, Tampa Bay, Chicago, Detroit, New England, New York Jets, Seattle

Here is the week-by-week schedule (updated upon release):

  • Week 1: Atlanta at Chicago Bears — Sunday, Sept. 10 — 1 p.m. ET
  • Week 2: Green Bay Packers at Atlanta — Sunday, Sept. 17 — 8:30 p.m. ET
  • Week 3: Atlanta at Detroit Lions — Sunday, Sept. 24 — 1 p.m. ET
  • Week 4: Buffalo Bills at Atlanta — Sunday, Oct. 1 — 1 p.m. ET
  • Week 5: BYE — Oct. 8
  • Week 6: Miami Dolphins at Atlanta — Sunday, Oct. 15 — 1 p.m. ET
  • Week 7: Atlanta at New England Patriots — Sunday, Oct. 22 — 8:30 p.m. ET
  • Week 8: Atlanta at New York Jets — Sunday, Oct. 29 — 1 p.m. ET
  • Week 9: Atlanta at Carolina Panthers — Sunday, Nov. 5 — 1 p.m. ET
  • Week 10: Dallas Cowboys at Atlanta — Sunday, Nov. 12 — 4:25 p.m. ET
  • Week 11: Atlanta at Seattle Seahawks — Monday, Nov. 20 8:30 p.m. ET
  • Week 12: Atlanta at Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Sunday, Nov. 26 — 1 p.m. ET
  • Week 13: Minnesota Vikings at Atlanta — Sunday, Dec. 3 — 1 p.m. ET
  • Week 14: New Orleans Saints at Atlanta — Thursday, Dec. 7 — 8:25 p.m. ET
  • Week 15: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Atlanta — Monday, Dec. 18 — 8:30 p.m. ET
  • Week 16: Atlanta at New Orleans Saints — Sunday, Dec. 24 — 1 p.m. ET
  • Week 17: Carolina Panthers at Atlanta  — Sunday, Dec. 31 — 1 p.m. ET

While Atlanta does get solid NFC teams in Dallas and the Green Bay Packers at home this fall, the Falcons will have to go on the road to play Seattle, New England and the Detroit Lions. Overall, Atlanta faces six playoff teams from 2016 including the Miami Dolphins.

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NFC South play is always competitive, so that will largely decide which team ends up winning the division. Having the Minnesota Vikings at home helps, as does drawing the Chicago Bears and the New York Jets on the road. For a first place schedule, Atlanta’s slate isn’t as arduous as one would expect for the defending NFC Champions.

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