2025 is likely to completely alter the trajectory of the Atlanta Falcons.

Michael Penix Jr. looked capable of becoming the team’s next franchise quarterback during his three-game audition last season. His arm strength is unmatched, and his pinpoint accuracy down the field is jaw-dropping. But there still needs to be some pretty significant improvements in his game if he wants to put himself into the upper echelon of NFL quarterbacks and lead the Falcons back to the postseason for the first time since 2017.

The potential is there, and if Penix reaches that potential in year two, the Falcons will have found their next franchise quarterback, which means a lot of postseason appearances in years to come.

The defense also adds to the excitement surrounding this year’s team. Four rookies are expected to play significant roles, headlined by James Pearce Jr., who has been dubbed unblockable throughout training camp and the preseason. The Falcons haven’t featured a menacing pass rusher in over a decade. That could change this season.

However, there’s also the potential for disaster. Michael Penix could experience some pretty significant growing pains, leading to uncertainty surrounding his viability as a starting quarterback. The defense could also fail to improve, as relying on a wave of youth isn’t always a good thing.

That would lead to another underwhelming season, likely finding themselves back in the top 10 of next year’s NFL Draft. The only difference is the Falcons don’t own their 2026 first-round pick, trading it to the Rams to move back into the first round this year and take the aforementioned James Pearce Jr.

That’s a scenario nobody in Atlanta wants to imagine, but ignoring it as a possibility is asinine. The volatility of inexperienced quarterbacks makes predicting the Falcons future difficult. But after years of negativity, I have things finally turning their way this season.

Atlanta Falcons 2025 Record Prediction

• Week 1: Falcons vs. Bucs — Win
• Week 2: Falcons at Vikings — Loss
• Week 3: Falcons at Panthers — Win
• Week 4: Falcons vs. Commanders — Win
• Week 5: Bye Week
• Week 6: Falcons vs. Bills — Loss
• Week 7: Falcons at 49ers — Loss
• Week 8: Falcons vs. Dolphins — Win
• Week 9: Falcons at Patriots — Loss
• Week 10: Falcons at Colts (Germany) — Win
• Week 11: Falcons vs. Panthers — Win
• Week 12: Falcons at Saints — Win
• Week 13: Falcons at Jets — Loss
• Week 14: Falcons vs. Seahawks — Win
• Week 15: Falcons at Bucs — Loss
• Week 16: Falcons at Cardinals — Loss
• Week 17: Falcons vs. Rams — Win
• Week 18: Falcons vs. Saints — Win

Record: 10-7

The ole’ 10-7 record prediction, a place I hate to be because every fan has their team going 10-7 three days before the start of the season.

However, this is a very manageable schedule for the Falcons. If they can stay afloat through the first seven weeks, they can really make some noise down the stretch. This team isn’t good enough to chalk up any games as for-sure wins. They’ll sleep walk into some road buildings and come out disappointed. It happens every NFL season, but with a strong finish at home, I have the Falcons finally overcoming their demons and breaking their seven-year postseason drought by beating their arch rivals in front of a packed house at Mercedes Benz Stadium.

What a start that would be to the next era of Atlanta Falcons football.