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Atlanta Falcons 2016 schedule revealed: Falcons kickoff with Buccaneers

By Freddie Boston

Dec 6, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) talks with wide receiver Nick Williams (15) during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the Atlanta Falcons 23-19. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 6, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) talks with wide receiver Nick Williams (15) during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the Atlanta Falcons 23-19. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Atlanta Falcons will kick off the 2016 regular season at home to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The Atlanta Falcons kick off the 2016 season at home with division rivals Tampa Bay.

Last year, the Falcons were blessed with the easiest strength of schedule. That’s not the case anymore, as Atlanta enters the 2016 season with the toughest schedule in the league. Based on last year, it’s not a fun one.

As always, Atlanta will meet the Carolina Panthers, New Orleans Saints and Tampa Bay Buccaneers twice. Now add in road trips to the Seattle Seahawks and Denver Broncos and the list of games already looks tough.

Week 1 (September 11):

With such a tough schedule, it will be of paramount importance for the Falcons to get it done inside the division. Their only win inside the NFC South last term was a Week 16 upset over Carolina. They were swept by the Saints and Buccaneers and were handed a 38-0 defeat on the road to the Panthers.

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This year, Dan Quinn’s team must at the very least split the series. The easiest way to do this is to win the games at the Georgia Dome. If the Falcons can win at home and steal one on the road, it can be considered a success.

Road trips to Denver and Seattle will test Quinn’s team.

The Broncos are the reigning Super Bowl champions, although they are yet to figure out their quarterback situation. Both Peyton Manning (retired) and Brock Osweiler (free agency) have departed, and a potential trade for Colin Kaepernick is in limbo.

Their defense took hits in free agency too: Malik Jackson has headed for Jacksonville and Danny Trevathan to Chicago. Von Miller will still be around though after receiving a franchise tag designation.

As for Seattle, this will be a return home for Quinn. He was the defensive coordinator with the Seahawks for both of their recent Super Bowl runs. He will get a chance to land a win over Pete Carroll and many of his former players.

Next: Falcons upgrade pass rush in latest mock draft

What are your thoughts on the schedule? Which games stand out to you?

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