NFL Schedule: 5 Games That Will Determine Atlanta Falcons' Season

The Atlanta Falcons posted a 13-3 last season and they are among the favorites in the NFC. Having said this, they have one of the tougher schedules in the whole league between the strength of the NFC South and playing the AFC South this season.

Here are the top five toughest games that they will encounter this season.

5. Oct. 9, Green Bay at Atlanta

Last season, the Green Bay Packers trounced the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Divisional Round of the playoffs 48-21. This was a disappointing ending to a great season.

Like the last game they played, this one is in the Georgia Dome, and Falcons fans will be there in full force.

4. Nov. 6, Atlanta at Indianapolis

Peyton Manning should be 100 percent by the time that this game rolls around. This game will showcase young Matt Ryan against the person who they have been comparing him to so far in his young career.

As a Falcon fan, I cannot wait for them to play the Colts.

3. Sept. 25, Atlanta at Tampa Bay

For the Falcons, this is their first NFC South game against one of the most young and upcoming teams in the whole NFL. This game has a big impact on the race for both teams, as they each want to start of strongly.

The Falcons had better watch out for the emergence/breakout year for Josh Freeman.

2. Sept. 18, Philadelphia at Atlanta

The so-called "Dream Team" aka Philadelphia Eagles have easily been the most busy team this offseason especially in the free-agent market. They signed many big names to their squad and expect big things for this season.

This will be a true test for Matt Ryan, the offensive line and the wide receiving core.

1. Dec. 26, Atlanta at New Orleans

This game verse the New Orleans Saints could determine who not only wins the NFC South but potentially which team will have home field advantage throughout the playoffs.

Two high-powered offenses going at it at the end of the season will definitely be one of the most watched games of the season.