The NFL announced on Wednesday that the full 2021 schedule for each team will be released on May 12, and with the move to a 17-game season, the Falcons will have seven games at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, nine games on the road, and a game in London.
While it's a seemingly unfair situation for the Falcons to be the only NFC team with fewer than eight true home games this season, it was part of a previous agreement that no other team will have to deal with.
As part of the bid that Atlanta won to host Super Bowl LIII (2019) eventually won by the Patriots over the Rams, the Falcons agreed to give up a future home game and this season is when it's scheduled.
Atlanta Falcons President and CEO Rich McKay explains why the Falcons game in London is the last one of its kind as some of the requirements change with a 17-game schedule being implemented.
“Next year if you are a nine (home) game team you are subject to potentially going and playing an international game instead of a home game. We’re (The Falcons) the exception, we’re the last year of this rule that says if you apply to host a Super Bowl then you also agree to give up a home game,” says McKay. “We made that decision back when we built the stadium, and it was great for Atlanta and Georgia. This is the last year that will occur. Fans will always get at least eight home games, sometimes nine, but never seven. We'll be the last team to do it.
To hear all of Rich McKay's comments, click here.