The NFL schedule release is always one of the most anticipated events of the offseason, and for Atlanta Falcons fans, the wait is almost over. While the official 2026 regular season schedule drops tonight at 8 p.m. ET, the Falcons are getting a head start with their own release at 7:30 p.m. ET. But if you can't wait even that long, a few key matchups have already leaked—and Week 2 is shaping up to be a must-watch divisional showdown.
According to reports, after kicking off the season on the road against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 1, the Falcons will face their NFC South rivals, the Carolina Panthers, in Week 2. The game is set for 1 p.m. ET at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. This matchup carries extra weight after the Falcons were swept by the Panthers last season, including a humiliating 30-0 shutout on the road. For Atlanta, this is more than just an early-season test—it's a chance for redemption.
So far, five of Atlanta's games have been leaked, though nothing is official until tonight's announcement. Here's a quick look at what we know:
- Week 1: at Pittsburgh Steelers
- Week 2: at Carolina Panthers
- Week 8: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Week 9: vs. Cincinnati Bengals (Madrid, Spain)
- Week 15: at Washington Commanders
The Falcons' schedule also features a full slate of home and away divisional games against the Panthers, Saints, and Buccaneers, plus non-conference matchups with the Ravens, Bears, Lions, Chiefs, and 49ers on the road. At home, Atlanta will host the Browns, Packers, Vikings, Steelers, and Commanders, among others.
Stay tuned as more games are revealed—but for now, mark your calendars for that Week 2 grudge match in Charlotte. It's sure to be a game with playoff implications written all over it.