There’s no denying that every game matters in the NFL, however, some definitely matter more than others. Whether it’s a rivalry game, an international matchup, or a late-season battle with the playoffs on the line, there are a number of factors that can elevate a game’s intensity.
The Falcons may not play in prime time this year, but there are several exciting games on their 2023 schedule. Below we’ve ranked Atlanta’s five most-anticipated matchups of the upcoming NFL season.
1
Week 1: Falcons vs. Panthers
Starting off strong can help build confidence early in the season, but it’s something that the Falcons haven’t been able to do in years. In Week 1, the Panthers come to town with rookie quarterback Bryce Young and a new head coach. These two NFC South foes split their season series in 2022, with the home team winning both games. This is a great chance for Atlanta to set the tone against in front of the fans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
2
Week 12: Falcons vs. Saints
The NFL respected the rivalry between the Falcons and Saints by giving both teams a bye leading up to this Week 12 matchup. After getting swept by New Orleans in 2022, Atlanta poached Ryan Nielsen to replace former defensive coordinator Dean Pees. The Falcons nearly defeated the Saints in Week 1 last season, but the team collapsed in the second half.
3
Week 17: Falcons at Bears
Once you look past rivalry games and season-openers, you can start to look at location-based games. Solider Field on New Years Eve is not where you want to be, especially as a dome team. On the field, I think the Falcons have the talent to beat this Bears team, but once you add critical weather to the mix, that task becomes much harder. Plus, this Week 17 game could be even bigger if the playoffs are at still at stake for Atlanta.
4
Week 4: Falcons at Jaguars (London)
The Falcons are headed back to London, and this time they will face off against the Jaguars, who play back-to-back games in London for some reason. International games are always a strain on both teams, but in this case, Jacksonville could have the edge since they won’t have to worry about an immediate trip back to the United States. Plus, the Falcons get to see former first-round pick Calvin Ridley, who returns from his one-year suspension to join a talented Jaguars team this season.
5
Week 8: Falcons at Titans
Ever since Atlanta hired Arthur Smith in 2021, there has been plenty of crossover between the Falcons and Titans — both in terms of players and staff members. In Week 8, Smith returns to Tennessee where he made a name for himself as one of the NFL’s bright offensive minds. If you look at the way Atlanta is constructing its roster, you can see how the team embodies the Titans’ physical, run-first philosophy.
