If you’re refreshing your apps looking for an Atlanta Falcons game time today, I have some tough news for you. There isn't one. Today is Thursday, January 15, 2026, and while the NFL playoffs are currently heating up for the divisional round, the Falcons are watching from the couch.
Honestly, it’s a bit of a bummer for the Dirty Birds faithful. After a rollercoaster 2025 season that saw the team finish with an 8-9 record, they officially missed the cut for the postseason. They actually ended their year on a high note with a 19-17 win over the New Orleans Saints back on January 4, but that wasn't enough to bridge the gap.
So, instead of a kickoff time, the city of Atlanta is currently fixated on something much more impactful for the long term: a massive front-office overhaul and the search for a new head coach.
The real reason there’s no Atlanta Falcons game time today
The NFL playoff bracket is currently set for the divisional round, which kicks off this coming Saturday, January 17. Because the Falcons finished third in the NFC South, they were eliminated from contention weeks ago.
It’s been a long stretch for fans. This marks the eighth consecutive year without an NFC South title and a seven-year drought from the playoffs. Raheem Morris, who led the team through the 2025 campaign, was relieved of his duties shortly after the season finale.
Basically, the "game" being played right now is happening in the boardrooms at Flowery Branch.
What is the current status of the team?
Instead of preparing for a playoff opponent, the Falcons’ leadership—specifically owner Arthur Blank—is busy interviewing candidates to lead the team in 2026.
- Matt Ryan is back: In a move that surprised some but delighted most, former MVP quarterback Matt Ryan was officially named the President of Football on January 10. He’s now the guy in charge of "everything between football and grass."
- The Coaching Search: The team has already completed interviews with several big names. John Harbaugh (formerly of the Ravens) and Mike McDaniel (formerly of the Dolphins) are among the heavy hitters being considered to replace Morris.
- Draft Position: Since they aren't playing today, the focus has shifted to the 2026 NFL Draft. Their 8-9 record puts them in the middle of the pack, but with Matt Ryan steering the ship, the strategy for building around Michael Penix Jr. or Kirk Cousins is the main topic of conversation.
When will we see the Falcons back on the field?
Since there is no Atlanta Falcons game time today, when can you actually mark your calendar?
The 2026 NFL regular season won't begin until September. However, the official schedule release usually happens in mid-May. We do know who they will play, even if we don't know the exact dates yet. Because of their third-place finish, they have a specific set of opponents lined up for the 2026 season.
2026 Home Opponents
You can expect to see these teams visit Mercedes-Benz Stadium:
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- Carolina Panthers
- New Orleans Saints
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Chicago Bears
- Detroit Lions
- Baltimore Ravens
- Cincinnati Bengals
- San Francisco 49ers
- Kansas City Chiefs
One of these home games is actually going to be played internationally. The NFL granted Atlanta an international home game for 2026, though the location (likely London or Germany) hasn't been confirmed.
2026 Away Opponents
The road trips for next season include:
- At Carolina Panthers
- At New Orleans Saints
- At Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- At Green Bay Packers
- At Minnesota Vikings
- At Cleveland Browns
- At Pittsburgh Steelers
- At Washington Commanders
What should Falcons fans watch today instead?
Just because the Falcons aren't playing doesn't mean there isn't football news. If you’re a fan of the team, you’ve probably seen the news about veteran receiver Adam Thielen announcing his retirement yesterday. While he finished his career elsewhere, his retirement marks the end of an era for the NFC South rivalries the Falcons frequently participated in.
Also, if you want to scout the competition, the Divisional Round starts in just two days. On Saturday, January 17, the Buffalo Bills take on the Denver Broncos at 4:30 PM ET, followed by a massive NFC West clash between the San Francisco 49ers and the Seattle Seahawks at 8:00 PM ET.
Watching these games is a bit bittersweet. You see the level of play required to get to this stage, and it's clearly where Matt Ryan wants to take this organization again.
Actionable steps for Falcons fans this week
Since you can't watch a game today, here is how you can stay locked in on the team’s progress during this critical offseason:
- Follow the Head Coach Tracker: The Falcons are competing with eight other teams for a new coach. Keep an eye on the official team site for interview completions. Names like Kevin Stefanski and Klint Kubiak are also in the mix.
- Monitor the Matt Ryan "Unfinished Business" Era: Ryan has explicitly stated his goal is to bring a championship to Atlanta. His first major move will be hiring the General Manager and Head Coach. The chemistry between these three roles will define the next five years of Falcons football.
- Check the International Game Announcement: If you’re planning to travel, wait for the NFL’s announcement later this spring regarding which home game is moving overseas.
- Review the 2025 All-Pro List: It wasn't all bad news this year. Bijan Robinson, Jessie Bates, and Chris Lindstrom all landed All-Pro honors. This is the core the next coach will be working with.
The search for the Atlanta Falcons game time today might have come up empty for the schedule, but the franchise is in the middle of its most significant leadership change in a decade. While the pads aren't popping, the future of the team is being decided right now in Flowery Branch.