3 Must Win Games for the Atlanta Falcons in 2015

It’s no secret that the Atlanta Falcons have one of the NFL’s easiest schedules in 2015. The NFC South collectively had its worst season since 2002’s realignment, as no one finished with at least a .500 record. The AFC South usually has one outstanding team (Indianapolis most years) and two bottom-feeders. The NFC East often cannibalizes itself and a 9-7 record has won the division on several occasions. And the Falcons finished in third in the South last year, so the Dirty Birds draw the two other third-place teams in the NFC (Minnesota and San Francisco).

Even with a favorable schedule, there are still a few borderline games the Atlanta Falcons must win in 2015 if the team wants to get back into the playoffs. I’m not talking about taking care of business against a rebuilding team or pulling off an upset against a goliath. I’m talking about beating teams that would be happy to earn a Wild Card Spot this fall. Here are the three games I feel that Atlanta needs to come away with a victory.

Week 1: Vs. Philadelphia Eagles (September 14th, Monday Night Football)

Dec 28, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Philadelphia Eagles head coach Chip Kelly before the game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

In one of the Falcons’ two nationally televised games this fall, Atlanta will host Chip Kelly’s Eagles at the Georgia Dome in Week 1 on Monday Night Football. The Dan Quinn Era will officially be under way against a Philly roster that makes no sense to anyone but Chip Kelly. The first several weeks of the season could be a rough patch for the Falcons if they are not careful, as the team plays the entire NFC East, the Houston Texans and the New Orleans Saints at the Superdome.

Atlanta can’t afford to get behind in the conference standings early. Plus I don’t think Matt Ryan wants to lose to either Sam Bradford, Mark Sanchez or Tim Tebow. I’m not saying that the Eagles are a bad team entering 2015, but I think winning in Week 1 will go a long way in keeping the Falcons afloat during one of the toughest parts of their season.

Week 12: Vs. Minnesota Vikings (November 29th)

In my opinion, the Atlanta Falcons’ loss in Minneapolis last year was one of the team’s worst performances all season. Teddy Bridgewater sat comfortably in the pocket all game long and put on a passing clinic, dissecting our secondary like an All-Pro Canton-bound quarterback. The Vikings will always hold a grudge against our team one obvious reason: The 1998 NFC Championship Game. Our Andersen was better than your Anderson! I would say that disdain for us is on par with our irrational dislike of the 49ers and Broncos.

Minnesota should have All-Pro RB Adrian Peterson back in 2015 and second-year HC Mike Zimmer has his team working towards getting back into the playoffs after two forgettable seasons. In order to get back into the playoffs, Atlanta needs to defeat teams like Minnesota that can either be a Wild Card team or a middle of the pack NFC team. Getting the Vikes at home should give the Falcons a slight advantage in Week 12. To me, it’s a bit surprising just how important this game is for the Atlanta Falcons. Let’s hope Bridgewater gets a few stains on his jersey courtesy of our front seven in 2015.

Week 17: Vs. New Orleans Saints (January 3rd, Last Game of Regular Season)

You have to beat your arch rival at home, especially in the last game of the regular season. Atlanta and New Orleans both want to get back into the playoffs, but I don’t think the NFC South will get three teams in this year. Carolina is still pretty good and could three-peat if we’re not careful. Now that’s a scary thought…

Besides that it is the Saints and that it is the last game of the season, Atlanta has to win in Week 17 at home because winning on the road in Week 6 on Thursday Night Football against the Saints will be extremely tough. Primetime games in the Big Easy on national television give off a similar vibe to when the LSU Tigers prowl on Saturday nights in Death Valley. Tigers fans are often Saints fans, much like Dawgs/Jackets fans are often Falcons fans. Throw into the mix that the Saints hate us and I’ll be shocked if Quinn’s team comes away with a victory in Week 6. Not to mention, the Saints want revenge after getting swept last year by the Falcons.