Atlanta Falcons 2020 NFL schedule: 5 must-win games

This is one the two games the Falcons circle on the calendar every year: What are the two dates with the New Orleans Saints? These two franchises absolutely hate each other. The animus has grown more with each passing year. Last season saw the two road teams win, but both clubs understand how difficult it is to win in a hostile road environment. They must protect their house.

Simply put, Atlanta needs to go 4-2 again in NFC South play to have any realistic shot of making the postseason. Dan Quinn’s embarrassing track record against AFC teams has been the Dirty Birds’ undoing the last few seasons. Given how strong the Saints are expected to be, a sweep at the hands of hated New Orleans ensures Who Dat Nation another home playoff game.

The reason this game is so important, besides the fact that it always is, is Atlanta cannot be expected to go into the Mercedes-Benz Superdome and win games in consecutive years. Atlanta is more likely to go on the road and win at Raymond James Stadium against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers than to upend Sean Payton‘s team in the Big Easy in consecutive years.

Interestingly enough, the road team seems to win more of late in the Falcons’ emerging rivalry series with the Buccaneers. However, the home team usually ends up coming out on top when the Dirty Birds take on the Saints or the Carolina Panthers. So if the road date in New Orleans feels like a scheduled loss, then the Falcons need to do their best to ensure the Atlanta date is a win.