The Atlanta Falcons haven’t made the NFL playoffs since 2018.
Despite that fact, the Falcons were recently named one of the most interesting teams in the entire league heading into the 2026 season.
Falcons Named One of Most ‘Interesting’ Teams Heading into 2026 NFL Season
GettyFLOWERY BRANCH, GEORGIA – MAY 27: Head coach Kevin Stefanski of the Atlanta Falcons looks on during OTA’s at IBM Performance Field on May 27, 2026 in Flowery Branch, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
In an article for Bleacher Report, Brad Gagnon listed the eight most interesting teams entering the ’26 season, and the Falcons landed on the list.
Gagnon pointed to the intriguing quarterback battle between Michael Phenix Jr. and Tua Tagovailoa as well as the plethora of offensive weapons on the roster and the addition of high-profile head coach Kevin Stefanski as reasons why he views the Falcons as so interesting.
“Here we have another potentially awesome quarterback battle between a former Pro Bowler in a new setting (Tua Tagovailoa) and a third-year first-round pick who has yet to deliver on expectations (Michael Penix Jr.). Once again, whoever quarterbacks this team will have a superb group of weapons and a stellar offensive line,” Gagnon wrote.
“The Falcons also have some appealing young talent on defense, and the entire operation will be overseen by high-profile offseason head coach addition Kevin Stefanski. … Considering the NFC South is expected to be wide open again, the space between the floor and the ceiling is massive in Atlanta. And that makes this team especially intriguing entering training camp.”
Quarterback Battle Provides Intriguing Storyline for Atlanta Falcons
GettyFLOWERY BRANCH, GEORGIA – MAY 27: Michael Penix Jr. #9 and Tua Tagovailoa #1 of the Atlanta Falcons laugh during OTA’s at IBM Performance Field on May 27, 2026 in Flowery Branch, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
The biggest storyline for the Falcons heading into the season is the QB battle between Tagovailoa and Penix. At this point, it doesn’t seem like a starter will be determined until training camp later this summer, as Penix was limited throughout OTAs as he continues to recover from an ACL injury.
Earlier this month, Falcons quarterback coach Alex Van Pelt basically said as much while providing an update on the competition.
“It’s tough to have a competition when both guys aren’t competing at the same level right now,” Van Pelt said. “So, it’s hard and it’ll come. It’ll happen at some point. Mike’s done a great job of getting himself to where he is right now. Really impressive to take 7-on-7 reps and go out and compete. That’s been great. But really, there’s no competition until we can actually evaluate him equally. … But not going to put any time frames out there just yet, just going to focus on what’s in front of us.”
When training camps rolls around, all eyes will be on Atlanta to see who emerges as the starter for Week 1.
Why Falcons Were Named One of NFL’s Most ‘Interesting Teams’ Ahead of 2026 Season