Atlanta Falcons

Atlanta Falcons: 2017 Schedule Breakdown And Analysis

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 9:55 p.m. ET

Fansided, Nafisa H/FanSided via NFL Spin Zone

Following the release of the Atlanta Falcons 2017 schedule, let's take look at their upcoming season.

The Atlanta Falcons must stay on course during all four quarters of the 2017 NFL season in order to stay alive on their Super Bowl hunt. There isn't a Magic 8-Ball that can allow us to see what the future actually holds for the team or the outcome of their season But we know they'll have to travel North and South as they hunt for a championship.

Here's a look at their flight path, starting with the first quarter — or opening four weeks of the season

Week 1: at Chicago Bears
Week 2: vs. Green Bay Packers
Week 3: at Detroit Lions
Week 4: vs. Buffalo Bills
Week 5: BYE

The Atlanta Falcons have a chance at starting their 2017 season on a good foot and get ahead of their competition as they are scheduled to play the Chicago Bears in their season opener on the road. This should be an easy game for the Falcons. The Bears defense, albiet improved, will not be able to control all of the weapons the Falcons have on their explosive offense.

Next up, the Falcons can't rest on their laurels as they must find a way to contain Aaron Rodgers and avoid the Green Bay Packers sending them to Detroit to face the Lions off of a loss. Like the Falcons, the Lions are hungry for a Super Bowl and lurking for redemption after also having their playoff dreams crushed.

Despite not being playoff contenders for the past 17 years, the Buffalo Bills have players that the Falcons shouldn't sleep on as LeSean McCoy and Tyrod Taylor are capable doing damage in a hurry. After two NFC North tests and ahead of their Week 5 bye, the Falcons need to avoid a potential trap game against the Bills.

Feb 5, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Atlanta Falcons safety Keanu Neal (22) tackles New England Patriots running back Dion Lewis (33) during Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Weeks 6-9

Week 6: vs. Miami Dolphins
Week 7: at New England Patriots
Week 8: at New York Jets
Week 9: at Carolina Panthers

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The Atlanta Falcons will have an early bye week this upcoming season. Coming out of the Week 5 off, the Falcons have a favorable matchup against the Miami Dolphins that should help them stay afloat and avoid any post-bye week blues.

That all sets the stage for the Week 7 rematch against the reigning Super Bowl champions in Foxborough. At this point, there's no need to re-hash what happened in Houston during the Super Bowl. Just know that Atlanta will be out for revenge and redemption in this game as this clash will be one of the most anticipated of the season.

Rising up to beat the Patriots will be a daunting task for the Falcons, but doing the same to beat the Jets should be easier. It'll be like a rest stop along their road to Charlotte and allow them to refuel before their first division matchup of the season as they face the Carolina Panthers in Week 9. Carolina had a letdown of a 2016, but they have the talent to rebound, so this matchup surely won't be a breeze.

Jan 14, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman (24) runs the ball against the Seattle Seahawks during the third quarter in the NFC Divisional playoff at Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Weeks 10-13

Week 10: vs. Dallas Cowboys
Week 11: at Seattle Seahawks
Week 12: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Week 13: vs. Minnesota Vikings

The halfway mark. Now, this is where things will get very interesting. Three out of the four teams the Atlanta Falcons will face in the third quarter of their upcoming season advanced to the playoffs last year. The Falcons made it further than all of these teams in the postseason and must not quit while ahead in the third quarter of their campaign.

All four of these games present a challenge to the Falcons team as a whole, but more so to its defensive unit than offense or special teams. It'll be vital for Atlanta's defense to be healthy and on top of its game

During this stretch, they'll be tasked to keep up with the Cowboys' physical offensive line, contain Russell Wilson by limiting his mobility, provide tight coverage on their new division rival Desean Jackson and not give Teddy Bridgewater the epic comeback he's dreaming of following a horrible knee injury.

Things began going south for the Falcons in the third quarter of Super Bowl 51. The team must do everything it can to prevent history from repeating itself. Let's see where the team takes us next.

Dec 24, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers outside linebacker Lavonte David (54) sacks New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) in the first quarter at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

Weeks 14-17

Week 14: vs. New Orleans Saints
Week 15: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Week 16: at New Orleans Saints
Week 17: vs. Carolina Panthers

Finally, the Atlanta Falcons will reach the fourth quarter of the season. While the end of their 16-game season will bring it back home to the NFC South, the team can't get too comfortable. Unlike they did in the Super Bowl, the Falcons will not have overtime or an extra chance at orchestrating a comeback if they fall behind during the fourth quarter of the season. They'll need to make it happen "in regulation."

The final stretch in general often seems to be the longest, making it hard to see the finish line up ahead. Well, the NFL made it even harder for the Falcons and sure ruffled a lot of feathers by scheduling four consecutive division games at the end of the season. Savages.

As tough as their 2017 schedule may appear, the Falcons do have an advantage, though. With their new eco-friendly stadium, they are improving sustainability and using LEEDs to power their new home and give Falcon's nation a welcoming housewarming reception.

While this doesn't have a direct effect on how long Falcons players will last or on their efficiency, if their minds are focused on sustainability and they have a positive mentality, they will surely have many bright days ahead. Mind over matter, folks.