Last Word on Sports has been chronicling the schedules of all 32 NFL teams and here is an analysis of the Atlanta Falcons most difficult games of the 2020 season. This two part series will list all 16 Falcons games from 1-16, with one being the most difficult game on the Falcons schedule. The Atlanta Falcons are facing the fifth hardest schedule in 2020 based on 2019 win percentage. The Atlanta Falcons most difficult games in 2020 will indeed feature some very tough matchups.
Atlanta Falcons Most Difficult Games in 2020
1. Week 16 – Away vs Kansas City Chiefs – December 27, 2020
The Atlanta Falcons will need to improve their defense to compete in 2020. Atlanta had the 22nd ranked passing defense in 2019 and did not really address their issues in the off-season. If the Falcons are to have a successful 2020, Matt Ryan and the offense will have to put up some points. Their most difficult match up will be against the fast-paced, Super Bowl reigning champions, Kansas City Chiefs. By Week 16, each team’s postseason hopes will most likely be in focus. This could lead to each team not putting their best effort forward but expect Patrick Mahomes to still score at will. In addition, with only one team in each conference getting a bye in the first round of the playoffs, the Chiefs could still have something to play for in Week 16.
2. Week 11 – Away vs New Orleans Saints – November 11, 2020
Divisional matchups are incredibly challenging and this will be no different. The Falcons are 2-4 in the last three years against the New Orleans Saints and going to the Superdome in Week 11 will be the first of two matchups within three weeks for the Falcons. If the Superdome is alive with fans, the Falcons are in for a difficult matchup. The Saints go into 2020 as the favorites to win the NFC South, but a win for Atlanta here will go a long way to dethrone them.
3. Week 6 – Away vs Minnesota Vikings – October 18, 2020
This game could be the toughest matchup for the Falcons offense in 2020. Boasting a Top-10 all-around defense, the Minnesota Vikings welcome the Falcons in Week 6. This will no doubt be a difficult matchup for the entire Falcons offense. Julio Jones and Todd Gurley will have to carry the offense if Atlanta hopes to get this win on the road.
4. Week 13 – Home vs New Orleans Saints – December 6, 2020
Having to play a divisional rival twice in three weeks makes for an interesting matchup for both teams. The Week 11 matchup will still be fresh in everyone’s mind. The Saints go into Atlanta for another touch matchup. The good news for Atlanta is that the game between the two against the Saints is a home game versus the Las Vegas Raiders. Meanwhile, the Saints have to go on the road to play the Denver Broncos. This travel time could play into Atlanta’s chances in Week 13 but this matchup will still no doubt be difficult for both clubs.
5. Week 17 – Away vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers – January 3, 2020
A Week 17 road matchup versus Tom Brady and the new-look Tampa Bay Buccaneers could be an important matchup, postseason wise, for both teams. The NFC South could be the best division in the entire NFL and these final matchups will be must watch. The Buccaneers are the most unknown club but are expected to compete for the division title. The Falcons will need to be ready for a challenge.
6. Week 4 – Away vs Green Bay Packers – October 5, 2020
This is one of only two nationally televised games for the Atlanta Falcons. Monday Night Football goes to Green Bay where Atlanta has to face the Green Bay Packers, who are the reigning NFC North Champions. Week 4 is critical for team records and can dictate the success of the rest of the season. This prime time game for the Falcons will hinge on stopping Aaron Jones and Aaron Rodgers. This will be a chance for Atlanta to show the world that the NFC South is a three team race.
7. Week 1 – Home vs Seattle Seahawks – September 13, 2020
The unknown opening weekend for the NFL. At this time, games are scheduled to go as planned; however, the preseason seems to already have been cut short due to pandemic concerns. This could play into how teams look in Week 1. Welcoming Russell Wilson and the Seattle Seahawks makes for a difficult opening challenge. Todd Gurley knows how to run against the Seahawks and the knowledge of playing against the NFC West brings value for this opening week showdown which has the potential to light up the scoreboard.
8. Week 2 – Away vs Dallas Cowboys – September 20, 2020
Immediately after a challenging home opener, the Falcons have to then go on the road to the powerhouse offense in Dallas and face the Dallas Cowboys. Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliot will be another difficult offensive matchup for the Falcons defense. Like Week 1, this game could provide high scores and should please fantasy owners throughout the country. Julio Jones should have a big day against the Cowboys and he will need to for the Falcons to have a chance.
A breakdown of Atlanta’s easiest games can be found here.
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