Are the Falcons back? Examining Atlanta's playoff chances after Michael Penix Jr.'s return
It’s crazy how a team’s fortunes can change at a moment’s notice in the NFL. Before their game against the Green Bay Packers, many considered the Atlanta Falcons’ season to already be over. After two brutal losses to start the year, it seemed like there was no more hope for this team moving forward. However, the Falcons turned the narrative around […] The post Are the Falcons back? Examining…
The Atlanta Falcons, once considered a lost cause, are now back in the playoff conversation thanks to the return of Michael Penix Jr. The former first-round pick, who suffered a torn ACL during the 2025 season, has already made an impact since his return. With a new offensive core featuring Bijan Robinson, Drake London, and Kyle Pitts, the Falcons have built one of the better offensive units in the NFL.
However, the team's quarterback situation has been a concern. While Penix Jr. isn't a top-10 quarterback, he has proven to be an adequate signal-call. The division they play in, the NFC South, is often considered the worst in football. But with two strong teams in the division, the Saints (1-1) and the Panthers (2-0), the Falcons have a better chance of challenging them.
The key to their success will be Penix Jr.'s performance in the coming weeks. If he can build on what he's shown so far, the Falcons could very well make their way into the postseason.
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