Despite a 1-2 start to the season, including having already lost a game to an NFC South opponent, the Falcons are more than alive due to the failures of the other three NFC South squads. The Buccaneers are 0-3 and facing an injury to QB Baker Mayfield that could keep him out a few weeks, the Panthers are 1-2 having most recently lost to the Cleveland Browns, and the New Orleans Saints fell to 1-2 yesterday after dropping a home game to Kirk Cousins and the Raiders. The poor performance of the division, which was already expected to be the worst in the NFL, has kept the Falcons alive, especially considering the promising return of Michael Penix at QB last Thursday night.
Falcons slow start offset by struggles across NFC South
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - SEPTEMBER 24: Bijan Robinson #7 of the Atlanta Falcons celebrates with Chris Lindstrom #63 after scoring a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter of the game at Lambeau Field on September 24, 2026 in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
Photo by Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images
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