Atlanta Falcons: 3 Toughest Matchups in 2015

Sep 28, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) throws during the first quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

The Atlanta Falcons supposedly have the easiest strength of schedule in the National Football League this season, so we keep hearing. There really is there no easy in the game, however, and the Falcons have some tough matchups on the schedule.

More from Atlanta Falcons News

• Atlanta Falcons are the perfect fit for Leonard Floyd
• 3 Largest Atlanta Falcons 2023 dead cap hits
• Atlanta Falcons trade up for a quarterback in this full mock draft
• Atlanta Falcons: 3 trade packages to land first-overall pick
• 3 Reasons the Atlanta Falcons shouldn’t fear Derek Carr and the Saints

This is important though. Give Atlanta 16 easy games and yes, they may walk away with a strong record and playoff seed, but they would be blown away the moment they played a top team.

By playing tough games, the Falcons will be battle-tested for the playoffs should they get there. If they win any of these games, even better.

Before we can talk about the playoffs, though, Atlanta needs to improve. It all starts on defense, and the Falcons have done just about all they could do this offseason to shore up the unit.

If they can get off the field more often and make teams kick field goals rather than score touchdowns, they can take the pressure off Matt Ryan and the offense. Giving Ryan more time of possession in the game will only lead to better outcomes, too.

Dan Quinn has made a promising start as head coach, but it will all mean nothing if the team doesn’t produce on the football field.

What are the toughest games for Atlanta this season?

Next: A September trip down south