The Road Ahead

A breakdown of the Falcons' 2005 schedule

Published on: 09/04/05

Sept. 12, vs. EAGLES, 9 p.m. (ABC)

Are you ready for some football? The Eagles ended the Falcons' season in the NFC championship game last season, and Atlanta hasn't forgotten. The Falcons have circled this marquee matchup, which comes in their first Monday Night showcase since 2003. It will be the first of three MNF appearances.

Sept. 18, at SEAHAWKS, 4:05 p.m. (Fox)

The Seahawks, slightly retooled under former Falcons assistant GM Tim Ruskell, get set for the rematch of last season's regular-season finale, which Seattle won 28-26. Atlanta must win on the road to get to the playoffs, and this non-division game would be an ideal launching point.

Sept. 25, at BILLS, 1 p.m. (Fox)

The Bills had a hard time getting past some of the better teams in the league last season, and they struggled early. Though it's rarely easy to win on the road, this is a game the Falcons need to win because the schedule gets tougher over the next few weeks.

Oct. 2, vs. VIKINGS, 4:15 p.m. (Fox)

The departure of Randy Moss might seem like a reprieve, but the Vikes still have Daunte Culpepper and are more balanced. A return to the Georgia Dome will be welcome, but the home team is going to need to be solid in every facet to win this game.

Oct. 9, vs. PATRIOTS, 1 p.m. (CBS)

For the first time in weeks the Falcons won't be the hunted. The defending Super Bowl champs have set the bar for success, winning anywhere and showing poise when things get sticky. A Falcons victory could set the tone for the long-sought championship run.

Oct. 16, at SAINTS, 1 p.m. (Fox)

Atlanta hasn't won here in two seasons, and this could be one of those trap games a week after playing the Patriots. This is when the Falcons will have to show what type of mettle they possess.

Oct. 24, vs. JETS, 9 p.m. (ABC)

With an off week on deck, this second Monday Night Football appearance figures to be a high-effort performance from the Falcons against a potential AFC playoff team. This will be the first meeting between the Jets and Falcons since 1998.

Nov. 6, at DOLPHINS, 1 p.m. (Fox)

With Ronnie Brown or Ricky Williams, the Dolphins are going to try to run it at the Falcons and burn as much time off the clock as possible. Atlanta needs to try to score early to make the Dolphins turn to their underwhelming passing game.

Nov. 13, vs. PACKERS, 4:15 p.m. (Fox)

This could be the last go-around for Packers quarterback Brett Favre, and he's going to try to go out with a bang in his original NFL home. He might put up some lofty numbers, but Vick, Dunn, Crumpler and Co. could hang a lot of points on Green Bay's suspect defense.

Nov. 20, vs. BUCCANEERS, 1 p.m. (Fox)

This might be where the Falcons' wide receivers show how much they've progressed. The Bucs have managed to limit the Falcons' passing game recently, and Atlanta must hit for some big plays to get this division victory.

Nov. 24, at LIONS, 12:30 p.m. (Fox)

The Falcons hope this Thanksgiving feature is the first of two appearances at Ford Field, site of the Super Bowl. The Lions boast a nice supply of talent, particularly at wide receiver, and should be no pushover for a Falcons team coming off an emotionally draining game.

Dec. 4, at PANTHERS, 1 p.m. (Fox)

This could be the most crucial game for both NFC South title contenders at this point of the season. The lengthy break could prove advantageous for the Falcons, who, despite the stakes and evolving rivalry, have won nine of the past 10 against the Panthers.

Dec. 12, vs. SAINTS, 9 p.m. (ABC)

This is the last Monday night game for the Falcons, who should have a pretty good idea by this point of the season whether they are playoff-bound. If so, they'll also know what they need to do in terms of positioning, like knocking off a division foe.

Dec. 18, at BEARS, 8:30 p.m. (ESPN)

Nothing like a winter game at Soldier Field. After suffering through snow and bitter temperatures in Philadelphia in an NFC championship game loss, a victory could prove critical to securing home-field advantage in the playoffs and avoiding Mother Nature's bitter elements.

Dec. 24, at BUCCANEERS, 1 p.m. (Fox)

The Bucs have put it to the Falcons at least once a season since 1997, and the 27-0 pasting they delivered last season in Tampa was the worst of those whippings. Playoff positioning might be too uncertain to rest key players.

Jan. 1, vs. PANTHERS, 1 p.m. (Fox)

Unless these teams are vying for division champ/wild-card berths, this could be like a preseason game, with backups getting most of the action. Even so, the bad blood brewing between these teams should make it exciting.