Predicting every game, final 2025 record for each NFC team

Unfortunately, this isn’t Atlanta’s year. But a win on the international stage, along with a 4-2 record in the division, are both quality consolation prizes.

With how I have Atlanta’s season playing out, this is the game the Falcons wish they had back, because a home win over the Panthers would’ve given them a chance to tie the Bucs at 9-8 and sneak into the playoffs via their superior divisional record. Instead, Atlanta finishes with nine total losses, allowing Tampa to sit its starters in the regular-season finale.

I have as good a feel for the Jets’ season as I do the Falcons’, which is to say, not a great one. It’ll be fun to see what the discussion is around these two teams, and this game, a few months from now.

• Division finish: Ali: 2nd | Rank: 3rd
• Will the Falcons make the playoffs? No.

I think the Falcons will be frisky this year — an opinion fueled by high expectations for Atlanta’s offense. But as promising as the improved pass rush might look on paper, I won’t be convinced the team has fixed its issues in that area until I see it when the games count. My week-by-week breakdown perfectly, and unintentionally, captures the overall uncertainty I have for this squad: The Falcons are the only team I’ve picked to win seven or more games without ever going back to back.