Atlanta Falcons: Three easiest games in 2016 season

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Nov 1, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) celebrates after making a touchdown in front of Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Johnthan Banks (27) in the fourth quarter of their game at the Georgia Dome. The Buccaneers won 23-20 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Buccaneers at home

It’s hard to call this game ‘easy’ considering the Buccaneers are just months removed from completing the season sweep over the Falcons. But this sums up how tough Atlanta’s schedule is.

In theory, both of these teams will be better in 2016. The Falcons threw the home game with Tampa Bay away last year by turning the ball over four times, three times in scoring position. Fumbled snaps, poor decisions and sloppy play all led to the Falcons’ downfall.

The comeback was on when Julio Jones caught a touchdown late on to tie it up, but the eruption that followed inside the Georgia Dome soon turned to silence as the Bucs went onto win in overtime.

Jameis Winston will be in his second season and should have a fully healthy Austin Seferian-Jenkins to pair with Mike Evans in the passing game. Doug Martin is coming off the back of a strong season and helps add balance to the Tampa Bay offense.

Despite that, the Falcons’ offense should be much improved too with help to the offensive line and an upgrade at the No. 2 receiver spot. It’s a tough schedule, but for the Falcons to reach the playoffs, this is the kind of game they need to win.

Next: No. 2

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