2011 NFL Schedule: An Early Projection for Each of the Atlanta Falcons Game
The Atlanta Falcons have only had a hand full of double-digit winning seasons in their entire franchise history, including their 13-3 campaign from 2010.
Following a winning season with another winning season has always been a challenge for Atlanta, but under Mike Smith, the Falcons have finished with a winning record since 2008.
Heading into 2011, Atlanta will be shooting for their fourth straight winning year. However, the expectations have risen drastically.
An 11-5 record or better should be the goal for the Dirty Birds, but a tougher schedule (no NFC West opponents) should make for a difficult road.
With yesterday's schedule release (despite the lockout), we can finally try to dissect the Falcons' prospects of finishing over or under their 13-3 mark—second best in franchise history.
Albeit a tad premature, here's a look at each game and a projection for how each will turn out on the scoreboard.
Week One Opponent: Chicago Bears
1 of 16
This game will be: One of the marquee games of opening weekend
Where: Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois
When: Sunday, September 11th, 1 p.m.
TV: Fox
The rundown:
Atlanta barely scraped by against the Bears in their last two contests, played in 2008 and 2009. Bears quarterback Jay Cutler was terrible the last time he faced the Falcons stingy defense, but since then, he has drastically improved his performance under the Bears' offensive scheme.
The Falcons will open their season on the road for the second straight year, playing at Soldier Field for the first time since a 16-3 loss in the snow in 2005.
We can almost guarantee the playing conditions will be more favorable in September. The Bears will be a tough team to beat in an opening road game. Atlanta lost their season opener, in Pittsburgh, 15-9 last September.
This game should be ultra competitive, but it might be a tough out for the Birds.
Early forecast says: Loss, 0-1
Week Two Opponent: Philadelphia Eagles
2 of 16
This game will be: HUGE! A week long firework show that will have the media salivating
Where: The Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Georgia
When: Sunday, September 18, 8:20 p.m.
TV: NBC
The rundown:
In 2009 the Falcons hosted the Eagles, and Michael Vick, without Matt Ryan. In 2010, the Eagles hosted the Falcons, and Matt Ryan, without Michael Vick.
And, the much anticipated Atlanta-Philadelphia playoff match up, for this past season, never materialized. Needless to say, the entire sports world better be hoping and praying that an NFL lockout doesn't interfere with this game happening.
If it does happen, Michael Vick should be starting against Matt Ryan for the first time. It will be a game of gigantic magnitude—possibly the biggest game ever played in the Georgia Dome. No wonder the NFL put it down for prime-time football on NBC. The Georgia Dome will be electric.
Expect the Falcons to feed off a high energy crowd and beat the Eagles.
Early forecast says: Win, 1-1
Week Three Opponent: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
3 of 16
This game will be: An early indicator on whether or not the Buccaneers are finally NFC South contenders
Where: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida
When: Sunday, September 25, 4:15 p.m.
TV: Fox
The rundown:
Tampa Bay and Atlanta were involved in two very close and heated games last season, much in part to the success of Buccaneers quarterback Josh Freeman and the emergence of tailback Legarette Blount.
The Buccaneers finished 10-6 last year, placing third in the very tough NFC South division. Tampa Bay should enter the 2011 year as one of those sexy, dark-horse picks to surface as a major NFC contender.
This will be another very tough game for the Falcons, who open their season against three opponents with a combined 2010 regular season record of 31-17.
Early forecast says: Loss, 1-2
Week Four Opponent: Seattle Seahawks
4 of 16
This game will be: A litmus test of the Falcons endurance
Where: CenturyLink Field, Seattle, Washington
When: Sunday, October 2, 4 p.m.
TV: Fox
The rundown:
Even against "The Beast", Marshawn Lynch, the Atlanta Falcons had zero trouble defeating the Seahawks last season. Last year's match up was a little bit more heated, with playoff implications looming over the heads of both teams.
With an earlier meeting this time around, it likely won't be as intense of a game. That only bodes well for the Falcons.
However, Atlanta will be coming off an extremely tough September, and possibly will not have a winning record, as they take the plane all the way to the other side of the country to face Pete Carroll's Seahawks.
Atlanta will have to prove they can rebound, as well as stay mentally tough, during their trip to the Pacific Northwest.
Early forecast says: Win, 2-2
Week Five Opponent: Green Bay Packers
5 of 16
This game will be: Revenge
Where: The Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Georgia
When: Sunday, October 9, 8:20 p.m.
TV: NBC
The rundown:
Talk about two big ways to open the home schedule for the Falcons. Following the home opener against the Eagles, Atlanta will play their second home game against the defending Super Bowl champions.
The Falcons will definitely be playing with a heightened sense of urgency in this game, as they try to avenge the 48-21 playoff dismantling that ruined their otherwise magical 2010 campaign.
A successful performance, especially by the Falcons defense, should get pundits feeling good about the Falcons despite a 3-2 record.
Early forecast says: Win, 3-2
Week Six Opponent: Carolina Panthers
6 of 16
This game will be: Another blowout
Where: The Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Georgia
When: Sunday, October 16, 1 p.m.
TV: Fox
The rundown:
Atlanta finished their home schedule last season with a blowout of the Carolina Panthers. Ron Rivera fills in as the head coach of the Panthers, who fired long time coach John Fox.
The Cats might just have a new swag about them heading into the year, but they likely will have been smacked in the face a few times before they make their trip to Dome.
The Falcons should have no trouble beating the Panthers, even if they are sporting a shiny new quarterback (possibly Cam Newton). If Newton is playing for the Panthers, this game could have some serious value, as Newton would be playing an hour and a half away from Auburn and in his own hometown of Atlanta.
Early forecast says: Win, 4-2
Week Seven Opponent: Detroit Lions
7 of 16
This game will be: An exciting one for Falcons-Bulldogs fans
Where: Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan
When: Sunday, October 23, 1p.m.
TV: Fox
The rundown:
The Lions have been ultra competitive over the past two seasons, and if healthy,should be very improved in 2011.
This will be a confident, recharged and reloaded team that should benefit from Matthew Stafford's solidified presence under center. Detroit has still kept their reputation as being a horrible road team, but they might very well have a nice home record next season.
Visitors, beware. Atlanta might be walking into a trap game in the Motor City. This will also be the first time the Falcons face former Georgia quarterback Matthew Stafford during the regular season, which will have Atlanta fans glued to their television sets.
Early forecast says: Win, 5-2
Week Nine Opponent: Indianapolis Colts
8 of 16
This game will be: The epitome of unfamiliar territory for the Falcons
Where: Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Indiana
When: Sunday, November 6, 1 p.m.
TV: Fox
The rundown:
The Falcons have not visited the Indianapolis Colts since they were stampeded on in 2003. Also, Indianapolis blew out Atlanta in the Georgia Dome in 2007.
But, the Falcons were 5-11 and 4-12 in those respective seasons and should be much more of a daunting opponent for Peyton Manning and the rest of the Colts team.
This game will be a real test for the Falcons secondary and should show if they are of playoff pedigree, considering they will be facing the top breed horses of the NFL's passing attack.
This should be a very competitive game, but don't expect the Falcons to make it out alive.
Early forecast says: Loss, 5-3
Week 10 Opponent: New Orleans Saints
9 of 16
This game will be: Another case of revenge
Where: The Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Georgia
When: Sunday, November 13, 1 p.m.
TV: Fox
The rundown:
This will be another revenge game for the Falcons. New Orleans was only one of two teams to beat the Falcons in the Georgia Dome last year and the only team to win on the Falcons' turf during the regular season.
The Falcons won the first meeting against the Saints last year on the road in the Superdome, and should have equal success in 2011.
Atlanta will get their first shot at Drew Brees and the Saints at home, in front of what should be a raucous crowd.
Early forecast says: Win, 6-3
Week 11 Opponent: Tennessee Titans
10 of 16
This game will be: An easy win for the Falcons
Where: The Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Georgia
When: Sunday, November 20, 1 p.m.
TV: CBS
The rundown:
Atlanta and Tennessee have met on countless occasions in the past during the preseason, thanks in part to their close proximity. But, these two teams rarely meet in the regular season.
That likely won't matter with this match up coming around, considering Jeff Fisher is out as the Titans head coach after over a decade of work with the organization.
Tennesee will be in rebuilding mode, and likely won't be able to ride superstar Chris Johnson to a victory in the hostile Georgia Dome.
Early forecast says: Win, 7-3
Week 12: Minnesota Vikings
11 of 16
This game will be: Another breezy home game for the Falcons
Where: The Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Georgia
When: Sunday, November 27, 1 p.m.
TV: Fox
The rundown:
For the second straight week, the Falcons will host a team with a new head ball coach and likely a developing quarterback. Again, an all-star tailback like Adrian Peterson won't be enough to give the Vikings a victory on the road.
Expect the Falcons to thrive off their snug home stretch and get their third win in a row.
Early forecast says: Win, 8-3
Week 13: Houston Texans
12 of 16
This game will be: The battle of Matt vs. Matt
Where: Reliant Stadium, Houston, Texas
When: Sunday, December 4, 1 p.m.
TV: Fox
The rundown:
Atlanta has only faced the Houston Texans twice since the Texans entered the league in 2002. The series is split 1-1, with one game involving the return of Michael Vick and one game being the first win for the Falcons in 2007 without Vick.
Now it will be the battle of two other quarterbacks, both who have affiliations with the Falcons organization. Matt Ryan, of course, will start for the Falcons. Ryan will face off against former Falcons quarterback and draftee Matt Schaub, who excelled as a replacement to Michael Vick in 2005 and 2006.
Houston has continued to be very competitive as a young franchise and is getting better each year. They might be a tough out in 2011, but the Falcons should handle them on the road.
Early forecast says: Win, 9-3
Week 14: Carolina Panthers
13 of 16
This game will be: More competitive, but no cigar for the Cats
Where: Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina
When: Sunday, December 11, 1 p.m.
TV: Fox
The rundown:
Carolina should be a tougher competitor at home, especially after a season's worth of development for whomever they have taking snaps.
But, they flat out won't have what it takes to beat a marquee team like the Falcons. Expect a solid 10 point victory for the Dirty Birds as their winning streak continues.
By this time, the Falcons will be sizzling towards the postseason.
Early forecast says: Win, 10-3
Week 15: Jacksonville Jaguars
14 of 16
This game will be: Mike Smith's big day
Where: The Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Georgia
When: Thursday, December 15, 8:20 p.m.
TV: NFL Network
The rundown:
For the second straight year, the Falcons will face an AFC opponent in the NFL Network's Thursday night time slot.
This year's competitor will be the Jacksonville Jaguars, who should be improved over their 8-8 record from a year ago.
The Falcons will be a dominating home team, however, and scrape by the Jags for another decisive home victory.
This game will also be Mike Smith's first regular season match up against Jacksonville, who's nearly become a preseason rival (if that term is warranted) of the Falcons in the past few decades.
Early forecast says: Win, 11-3
Week 16: New Orleans Saints
15 of 16
This game will be: A huge playoff indicator
Where: Louisiana Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana
When: Monday, December 26, 8:30 p.m.
TV: ESPN
The rundown:
Atlanta won in the Superdome last season, but the likelihood of them pulling that off twice is pretty slim.
The Saints and Falcons will be battling for playoff position, and possibly the division crown.
New Orleans will ride the momentum of the home crowd and come away with a slight victory.
Early forecast says: Loss, 11-4
Week 17: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
16 of 16
This game will be: A divisional championship game
Where: The Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Georgia
When: Sunday, January 1, 1 p.m.
TV: Fox
The rundown:
Atlanta will finish their 2011 regular season against their NFC South rivals, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. After losing to the Buccaneers in the week three match up on the road, the Falcons will rebound and decisively win in front of the home crowd.
The win will cap off an undefeated home record for the Falcons, and a 12-4 season—one game shy of 2010's 13-3 record.
New Orleans will finish at 9-7, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will finish at 10-6 with the loss, giving the Falcons the division crown for the second straight season.
Early forecast says: Win, 12-4
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