2009 Atlanta Falcons NFL Schedule

Led by rookie QB Matt Ryan, the Atlanta Falcons were one of the biggest surprises in the NFL last year by reaching the playoffs.

However, sophomore seasons have been unkind to many top rookies, so it will be interesting to see if the Falcons truly are on the rise, as they appear to be. Last season the Falcons weren’t in any prime-time games, but they have two this season.

Based on last season’s records, the Falcons have the fourth-toughest schedule in the league 150-105-1 (.588) in 2009.

For the second straight season the Falcons have three straight home games, hosting the Bucs, Eagles and Saints in Weeks 12-14. In 2008 Atlanta hosted the Saints, Broncos and Panthers in consecutive weeks, finishing that stretch 2-1. In Week 5, the Falcons visit San Francisco for the second time in three years.

Atlanta was 2-0 in trips to California last season, but that trip will be their only game in California for 2009. The Bears visit Atlanta in Week 6 for the second straight year.

The Eagles and Falcons meet for the fourth time in five years, but it’s the first time since 2005 that the Eagles will make the trip to the Georgia Dome.

“Our 2009 schedule presents a unique set of opportunities,” said Falcons coach Mike Smith. “Including back-to-back home games at the Georgia Dome to begin the year as well as two nationally televised games.”

FALCONS’ 2009 SCHEDULE

Week 1: Sun, Sept. 13 vs. Miami Dolphins CBS 1 p.m.

Week 2: Sun, Sept. 20 vs. Carolina Panthers FOX 1 p.m.

Week 3: Sun, Sept. 27 at New England Patriots FOX 1 p.m.

Week 4: Bye

Week 5: Sun, Oct. 11 at San Francisco 49ers FOX 4:05 p.m.

Week 6: Sun, Oct. 18 vs. Chicago Bears NBC 8:20 p.m.

Week 7: Sun, Oct. 25 at Dallas Cowboys FOX 4:15 p.m.

Week 8: Mon, Nov. 2 at New Orleans Saints ESPN 8:30 p.m.

Week 9: Sun, Nov. 8 vs. Washington Redskins FOX 1 p.m.

Week 10: Sun, Nov. 15 at Carolina Panthers FOX 1 p.m.

Week 11: Sun, Nov. 22 at New York Giants FOX 1 p.m.

Week 12: Sun, Nov. 29 vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers FOX 1 p.m.

Week 13: Sun, Dec. 6 vs. Philadelphia Eagles FOX 1 p.m.

Week 14: Sun, Dec. 13 vs. New Orleans Saints FOX 1 p.m.

Week 15: Sun, Dec. 20 at New York Jets FOX 1 p.m.

Week 16: Sun, Dec. 27 vs. Buffalo Bills CBS 1 p.m.

Week 17: Sun, Jan. 3 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers FOX 1 p.m.

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