Atlanta Falcons: Toughest Games Of 2019
By Ross Terrell
Week 10 @ New Orleans Saints
Sun, Nov. 10 at 1 p.m.
Why?
This will be the first time the Falcons face off against their bitter foe. The Saints have won the past three in the series, with the last win by Atlanta coming on a game clinching interception in the end-zone by Deion Jones near the end of the season in 2017. The last time the Falcons won in New Orleans? You have to go back to week three of 2016. The Saints are likely on a mission after a blown no call in the NFC Championship cost them a shot at the Super Bowl.
Reason for hope
The week before, the Falcons have a bye which gives them extra time to prepare for the Saints. It’ll also be Atlanta’s first division game of the season which should help them play with a sense of urgency.
Weeks 11 – 14 @Carolina Panthers, vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers, New Orleans Saints, Carolina Panthers
Why?
See above for who they play in week 10. That match-up is followed by four straight division match-ups. This could very easily be the make or break stretch of the season for the team. A two game losing streak here, and the shot at the division could fly out the window. Plus there is no love lost between the Falcons and any of these teams. Cam Newton saves his best for the Falcons and Jameis Winston always seems to be a tough match-up. The Falcons also went 4-0 against Carolina and Tampa Bay last year.
Reason for hope
The last time the Falcons had a stretch like this? Weeks 12-17 of the 2017-18 season. Atlanta had five division games in six weeks. They won four of the five. And this season, three of the four games are at home. If the Falcons take three of four, they could be in a very good spot coming down the home stretch of the season.