NFL Notebook: 2025 Atlanta Falcons Preview

The Falcons last made the playoffs in 2017 and that was also the last time they put together a winning season. But they came close last year, going 8-9 and staying in the NFC South race to the bitter end. They’re integrating younger players into the lineup. Do they take the next step in 2025?

THE INFUSION OF YOUTH

Rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. got the starting job late last season, after veteran Kirk Cousins fell prone to a flood of interceptions. Penix is penciled in as the starter this season. While he was a bit erratic in his three starts, it’s nothing that was out of the norm for a rookie having to step in late in the year. It’s true that he’s a question mark until he consistently gets the job done, but I think there’s good reasons for Atlanta fans to be optimistic about their young QB. And, if all else fails, Cousins is still as good a backup as there is in the league.

The youth movement extends to the defense. This side of the ball, ranking 23rd in the NFL for points allowed last year, was ultimately the reason Atlanta fell short of the playoffs. They used two first-round draft picks on edge rushers from the SEC, Jalen Walker out of Georgia and Tennessee’s James Pearce Jr. The Falcons’ third-round pick was invested in Notre Dame strong safety Xavier Watts. All are expected to either start or see significant playing time right out of the chute for new defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich.

A TALENTED CORE

If the quarterback situation stabilizes, Atlanta has a very good overall supporting cast offensively. Bijan Robinson is a versatile running back, as good as anyone not named Saquon Barkley or Derrick Henry. The trio of receivers, Drake London, Darnell Mooney and Ray-Ray McCloud III are well-balanced. London is the 100-catch prime target, Mooney can stretch the field and McCloud works out of the slot.

The offensive line is strong across, save for a bit of a weak spot at center. Otherwise though, Chris Lindstrom graded out as the top guard in the league at Pro Football Focus, and the left side, with Matthew Berger and Jake Matthews, is Pro Bowl-caliber.

Defensively, the aforementioned rookies blend into what should be a good secondary. Free safety Jessie Bates III is solid, and the corners are steady, if not spectacular. If Atlanta can get a pass rush from their young edge players, they can start to make more game-changing plays on defense.

TROUBLE IN THE TRENCHES

The one weakness—and it is notable—is the defensive line. While Atlanta’s base package is a 3-4, and reliant on the linebackers, you still need to be tie up blockers and stop an interior running game. There’s considerable doubt about the Falcons’ ability to do that.

And the ultimate question mark is the head coaching position. Atlanta gave Raheem Morris, who had washed out in a previous opportunity at Tampa Bay over ten years ago, the job over Bill Belichick coming into last season. Maybe Morris just wasn’t ready for his first head coaching job, or maybe the situation he was in at Tampa in the early ‘10s wasn’t right.

It wouldn’t be the first time that a head coach does better in his second go-round. But it’s also a question mark until…well, until it’s not. If Morris can coach, this has to be the year we see it.

OUTLOOK

Atlanta’s Over/Under is set at 8.5. Will they have a winning season or not? Will they make even marginal improvement or not? That’s the Yes/No question that the market is putting to us. I’m good with answering both questions right now as Yes, with the ultimate degree of that affirmation still to be determined between now and the start of the season on September 4.