The Atlanta Falcons’ 2025 season carries significant weight, burdened with the expectations that arise from a series of bold offseason moves and a burning desire to return to playoff contention after a prolonged absence. The team’s journey is a tapestry woven with threads of hope, uncertainty, and calculated risk, all centered around the quarterback position and a revamped roster poised to make a statement in the NFC South.
The 2024 season was intended to be a triumphant return to form, fueled by the high-profile acquisition of veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins. The Falcons invested heavily in Cousins, signing him to a lucrative four-year, $180 million contract, signaling their unwavering commitment to competing for a Super Bowl. The initial returns were promising, as Cousins seamlessly integrated into the offense, showcasing his accuracy, decision-making, and leadership qualities. The Falcons soared to a strong start, leading many to believe that their playoff drought was nearing its end.
However, the NFL season is a marathon, not a sprint, and the Falcons’ momentum began to wane as the midseason approached. Cousins experienced a noticeable dip in performance, struggling with turnovers and failing to consistently move the offense down the field. A concerning stretch of games saw the Falcons falter, culminating in a 1-4 record where Cousins completed just 62.7% of his passes for 1,180 yards, a single touchdown, and a staggering nine interceptions. The veteran’s slump raised serious questions about his long-term fit with the team and sparked a quarterback controversy that would reshape the Falcons’ future.
In a surprising turn of events, the Falcons decided to bench Cousins in Week 16, opting to give rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. an opportunity to showcase his talent. The decision was met with mixed reactions, given the significant investment in Cousins, but it was ultimately driven by the desire to evaluate Penix and gain clarity on the team’s quarterback situation moving forward.
Penix’s arrival in Atlanta was itself a source of considerable debate. The Falcons had shocked the NFL world by selecting him eighth overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, despite having just committed a substantial amount of money to Cousins. The move was seen as a gamble, a long-term investment in a young quarterback with immense potential but also with question marks surrounding his injury history.
Penix’s performance in the final three weeks of the 2024 season offered glimpses of his potential. While he didn’t set the league on fire, he demonstrated poise, arm strength, and the ability to make plays under pressure. His performance was enough to convince the Falcons’ coaching staff and front office that he was ready to take the reins as the team’s starting quarterback for the 2025 season.
Despite Penix’s ascendance, Cousins remains a part of the Falcons’ roster. He will serve as a veteran backup, providing valuable experience and leadership while also offering a safety net in case Penix struggles or gets injured. The situation creates an interesting dynamic, with Cousins undoubtedly eager to prove himself and regain his starting role, while Penix is determined to solidify his position as the team’s franchise quarterback.
Looking ahead to the 2025 season, the Falcons are banking on Penix’s ability to lead a potent offense supported by a wealth of talented playmakers. The team boasts a strong receiving corps, a solid running game, and an offensive line that has the potential to be among the best in the league. The Falcons’ offensive success will hinge on Penix’s ability to effectively utilize these weapons and make smart decisions under pressure.
However, the Falcons’ aspirations extend beyond offensive prowess. The team recognizes the importance of a strong defense and has invested heavily in improving its pass rush, an area that has been a persistent weakness in recent years. The Falcons used two first-round picks on Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr., both highly touted defensive prospects, to address this critical need. The hope is that Walker and Pearce will provide the consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks that the Falcons have lacked, leading to more turnovers and opportunities for the offense.
The Falcons’ 2025 schedule presents a mix of challenges and opportunities. They play in the NFC South, a division that is widely considered to be one of the weakest in the NFL. The Falcons posted a 4-2 record against their division rivals last season, including two wins over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who ultimately won the division. Continuing this strong divisional performance will be crucial for the Falcons’ playoff aspirations.
Their non-divisional schedule presents a greater degree of difficulty, but it also includes several winnable games. Home matchups against the Miami Dolphins and Seattle Seahawks, as well as road games against the Indianapolis Colts and New York Jets, offer opportunities for the Falcons to secure valuable victories.
USA TODAY Sports projects the Falcons to finish with a 9-8 record in 2025. This record would likely put them in contention for a playoff spot, potentially ending their long playoff drought that dates back to 2017. While the Buccaneers are still favored to win the NFC South, the Falcons are expected to be a strong contender, making the division race one of the most intriguing in the NFL.
Ultimately, the Falcons’ success in 2025 will depend on a combination of factors: Penix’s development as a quarterback, the effectiveness of the revamped defense, and their ability to capitalize on their favorable schedule. If the Falcons can put all the pieces together, they have the potential to be a surprise team in the NFC and make a deep playoff run. The 2025 season is a critical juncture for the franchise, a chance to prove that their bold moves and strategic investments have paid off and that they are ready to reclaim their place among the NFL’s elite.
