After going 8-8 in the 2015 NFL Season, the Atlanta Falcons have one of the tougher schedules in the NFL, as they go against several playoff teams from the 2015 season. With many of those teams being considered playoff contenders for the 2016 season as well, Atlanta will have a tough road to navigate through if they want to return to the playoffs for the first time since 2012.
Atlanta Falcons Most Difficult Games of 2016
8. Week 17 vs. New Orleans Saints
While the Saints finished the 2015 season with a 7-9 record, they did manage to sweep the season series against the Falcons. With playoff implications likely on the line in this matchup of rivals, expect the Saints to give the Falcons an extremely tough final matchup for the second straight season; as the Saints will certainly be trying to end their season on a positive note and either team could be pushed into the playoffs by the outcome of this game.
7. Week 13 vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Speaking of playoff teams in 2015, the Falcons will have to face the Chiefs in 2016, a team that should be much improved upon this season. With the expected return of superstar running back Jamaal Charles from a torn ACL suffered last season, this will certainly be one of the tougher match ups for the Falcons all season long. Expect this game to be dominated by the offenses, as the Falcons will try to exploit the Chiefs offseason losses on defense, while Kansas City will attempt to exploit Atlanta’s mediocre run defense with Charles.
6. Week Four vs. Carolina Panthers
In 2015, the Panthers went 15-1 in the regular season, with the one loss coming against the Falcons in Atlanta. While this game will certainly be easier than their Week 16 contest in Carolina, it will still remain as one of the toughest games for Atlanta all season long. Expect the Panthers to try to avenge their loss to Atlanta, and avenge their place as the only team in the NFC South that failed to sweep Atlanta in the 2015 season.
5. Week Two at Oakland Raiders
The Raiders are certainly a team on the rise, and with a Pro Bowl trio of Derek Carr, Latavius Murray, and Amari Cooper, Oakland has one of the most potent offenses in the entire NFL. With a much improved defense that still has one of the best pass rushers in the NFL with Khalil Mack, this game will be extremely difficult for Atlanta. Also add in the fact that the game is in Oakland, and this Week Two game will certainly be one of the toughest of the season for Atlanta.
4. Week 16 at Carolina Panthers
Last season, the Panthers absolutely obliterated the Falcons in Week 14, as they shutout Atlanta and won by a score of 38-0. While the Falcons eventually got revenge with a win in Week 16, the Panthers will look to put on a show for their fans, and will also look to knock Atlanta out of playoff contention in one of the final games of the regular season.
3. Week 12 vs. Arizona Cardinals
While Atlanta bested the Cardinals in their last matchup, that game took place in Week 13 of the 2014 NFL Season, the season in which Arizona was decimated by injuries all season long and had Drew Stanton as their starting quarterback in place of the injured Carson Palmer. Expect this game to be much different, and, given the Cardinals are at full health, expect Atlanta to struggle with Arizona’s numerous weapons on both offense and defense.
2. Week Eight vs. Green Bay Packers
The Packers are one of the best teams in the NFL, and any game against Green Bay will be extremely tough. Add in the fact that at this point, receiver Jordy Nelson will likely be used regularly and at full health, and the game gets even tougher for Atlanta. Even though this is a home game for the Falcons, there is no doubting how difficult this game will be for Atlanta.
1. Week Six at Seattle Seahawks
In Week Six, the Falcons will have to travel to perhaps the hardest opposing stadium in CenturyLink Field and the Seahawks. Led by superstar quarterback Russell Wilson and perhaps the best cornerback in the NFL in Richard Sherman and the Falcons are in for quite the matchup. Seattle is a legitimate Super Bowl contender, and this game will be the toughest of the season for the Falcons.
Check out the easiest games of 2016.
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