Falcons face uphill battle for NFL playoffs in 2026 season

The Atlanta Falcons' chances of making the NFL playoffs in 2026 appear slim, as they begin training camp with both Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr. sidelined due to health issues. Analysts from Bleacher Report describe the Falcons as needing everything to go right to qualify, ranking them 25th in playoff potential. Despite having a talented roster, the question remains if they can compete effectively in the NFC South, a division that last year saw the Carolina Panthers win with an 8-9 record. The Falcons last appeared in the playoffs in 2021 and have the longest active playoff drought in the NFL, outside of the New York Jets.

• 6:00 PMYahoo Sports — Falcons 'need everything to go right' to make NFL playoffs