The NFL schedule release always comes with surprises, and one of the biggest in 2025 might involve the Atlanta Falcons.
Despite missing the playoffs for a seventh straight season, Atlanta has landed five primetime games this year — a jump in national exposure that raised a few eyebrows across the league. That includes two Sunday Night Football appearances: a Week 2 matchup at the Minnesota Vikings and a Week 7 road game against the San Francisco 49ers.
According to CBS Sports’ Jordan Dajani, there’s a clear reason for the national attention: quarterback Michael Penix Jr.
“It’s a bit surprising that the Falcons have five prime-time games this season,” Dajani wrote. “I believe that’s because of the excitement surrounding Michael Penix Jr.”
Penix Jr., who made his debut late last season after replacing a struggling Kirk Cousins, is expected to lead the Falcons into a new era. He went 1–2 as a starter while Atlanta finished 8–7 overall. It wasn’t enough to reach the postseason, but it was enough to turn heads — especially among league schedulers.
The Week 7 game at San Francisco, ranked No. 11 on Dajani’s Sunday Night Football list, has multiple storylines. While the 49ers are perennial contenders, this game marks a reunion between Kyle Shanahan and Raheem Morris. Back in 2016, Morris served as Shanahan’s wide receivers coach in Atlanta.
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“Kyle Shanahan hosts his former team in Week 7, but this game is more than that,” Dajani wrote. “He will coach against Raheem Morris, whom he worked close with once upon a time.”
The Falcons’ Week 2 trip to Minnesota, ranked No. 7, could be an early litmus test for Penix as he squares off against fellow 2024 draft pick J.J. McCarthy in a battle between two of the league’s youngest quarterbacks on primetime.
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Atlanta’s other primetime matchups include a Monday night home game against the Buffalo Bills in Week 6, a Thursday night divisional game at the Buccaneers in Week 15, and a Week 17 Monday Night Football showdown against the Los Angeles Rams.
It’s clear the league expects Atlanta to be one of the more intriguing teams this fall — and all eyes are on Penix Jr. to live up to the billing.
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