After having one of the NFL’s toughest schedules in 2020, the Atlanta Falcons may finally catch a break in 2021.
Allison Koehler of Steelers Wire calculated the strength of schedule for each team next season and the Falcons’ opponents have the 25th-ranked winning percentage (.479). Atlanta plays four playoff teams — Tampa Bay (twice), New Orleans (twice), Buffalo and Washington — in Arthur Smith’s first year in charge.
Fellow NFC South rivals will also see favorable competition in 2021. The Buccaneers’ strength of schedule is ranked 31st in the league, while the Saints aren’t too far behind (27th). Lastly, the Carolina Panthers (21st) have the toughest schedule in the division.
The NFC South could look quite different in 2021. As the Saints move forward without Drew Brees, the Falcons and Panthers will look to challenge Tampa Bay for the divisional crown next season.
