The Atlanta Falcons have struggled through the first half of the 2026 NFL season, but their midseason grade offers a more balanced assessment. The team received a “C,” despite holding a 3-6 record and sitting last in the NFC South.
The grade reflects the division’s performance as a whole: every NFC South team has three wins through Week 9. Atlanta is at the bottom of the standings but trails the Carolina Panthers, who lead the division, by just half a game.
## Inconsistency Has Held Atlanta Back
The Falcons are 1-2 against division opponents, including a 34-3 loss to Carolina and a 16-0 shutout defeat against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Those results have contributed to Atlanta’s position in the standings.
However, the Falcons have also shown they can compete with strong teams. They beat the Green Bay Packers 35-14 on the road in Week 3 and handed the previously undefeated San Francisco 49ers a 29-20 loss in Week 7.
## A Challenging Path to the Playoffs
Atlanta will need a strong second half to reach the playoffs for the first time since 2017. Its schedule begins with a Sunday game against the Kansas City Chiefs, followed by a bye week. The Falcons will then face the Minnesota Vikings, Detroit Lions, Cleveland Browns, and Washington Commanders before closing the season against NFC South opponents: the Buccaneers, Panthers, and New Orleans Saints.
Four of Atlanta’s eight remaining opponents have winning records, and three of those teams are currently 6-2.
For the Falcons to improve, quarterback Michael Penix Jr. will need to become more consistent. Over his last two games, he has thrown one touchdown and five interceptions. Through seven games, Penix has recorded 1,444 passing yards, 10 touchdowns, and six interceptions.
Atlanta will also need to keep getting the ball to Bijan Robinson. He leads the NFL with 880 rushing yards and has added 250 receiving yards on 31 receptions.
