The Atlanta Falcons open the 2025 NFL regular season against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sept. 7 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
While the Falcons offense looks almost the same as last season, aside from Michael Penix Jr. now starting at quarterback and Kirk Cousins as the backup, the team's defense is deeper with several key position battles across the roster. Atlanta is expecting to get significant play this season from four rookies: edge rushers Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr., safety Xavier Watts and nickel corner Billy Bowman Jr.