2012 Atlanta Falcons Schedule: Full Listing of Dates, Time and TV Info

We've known for a while now who teams will play, but now the most crucial part about the NFL schedule has been released—the dates. 

In addition to their regular NFC South division matchups, the Atlanta Falcons will also play all the teams from the NFC East and AFC West. 

Matt Ryan and company are looking to reach the playoffs once again, but it's not going to be an easy task. 

Still, the Falcons are ready to roll, and given the layout of their schedule, they'll have to give it their all week after week. 

Schedule 

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Week 1 9/9: Atlanta Falcons vs. Kansas City Chiefs, 1 p.m. EST Fox

Week 2 9/17: Denver Broncos vs. Atlanta Falcons, 8:30 p.m. EST ESPN

Week 3 9/23: Atlanta Falcons vs. San Diego Chargers, 4:05 p.m. EST Fox

Week 4 9/30: Carolina Panthers vs. Atlanta Falcons, 1 p.m. EST Fox

Week 5 10/7: Atlanta Falcons vs. Washington Redskins, 1 p.m. EST Fox

Week 6 10/14: Oakland Raiders vs. Atlanta Falcons, 1 p.m. EST CBS

Week 7 10/21: BYE

Week 8 10/28: Atlanta Falcons vs. Philadelphia Eagles 1 p.m. EST Fox

Week 9 11/4: Dallas Cowboys vs. Atlanta Falcons, 8:20 p.m. EST NBC

Week 10 11/11: Atlanta Falcons vs. New Orleans Saints, 1 p.m. EST Fox

Week 11 11/18: Arizona Cardinals vs. Atlanta Falcons, 1 p.m. EST Fox

Week 12 11/25: Atlanta Falcons vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 1 p.m. EST Fox

Week 13 11/29: New Orleans Saints vs. Atlanta Falcons, 8:20 p.m. EST NFL Network

Week 14 12/9: Atlanta Falcons vs. Carolina Panthers, 1 p.m. EST Fox

Week 15 12/16: New York Giants vs. Atlanta Falcons, 1 p.m. EST Fox

Week 16 12/22: Atlanta Falcons vs. Detroit Lions, 8 p.m. EST ESPN

Week 17 12/30: Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Atlanta Falcons, 1 p.m. EST Fox

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Analysis 

Atlanta's defense will really be put to the test this year, as the it will have to face some extremely talented quarterbacks.

Eli Manning, Tony Romo, Kevin Kolb, Peyton Manning and Carson Palmer will all travel to play against the Falcons in the Georgia Dome.

Atlanta also has to face Michael Vick, likely Robert Griffin III whom the Redskins are expected to draft, Matt Cassel and Philip Rivers on the road. 

What's more, the Falcons have to battle against Drew Brees, Josh Freeman and Cam Newton twice in 2012.

It's going to be an intense ride for the Falcons defense, which likely means the offense will have to help carry the team throughout the year. 

Most Pivotal Matchup 

While non-division games are crucial to the Falcons' success in 2012, the division games against the New Orleans Saints are of grave importance.  

The NFC South is one of the toughest divisions in the NFL today, and the Saints are easily the Falcons' biggest competition.

The Falcons have to find a way to beat their arch-rival twice this year, as it will give them a significant advantage in the division. 

This, of course, will be incredibly difficult, but it's certainly possible. Both the offense and defense must continue to rise up in order to reach the postseason once again.