2022 NFL schedule release: Falcons challengers, sneak peeks, complete list of groups on regular-season schedule

The huge waves of complimentary company are over. The draft is total. Now, all eyes are on the upcoming NFL season. One of the groups with the most remaining enigma is the Falcons. After swinging and missing on Deshaun Watson, then dealing Matt Ryan to the Colts, Atlanta is apparently back to square one of a reconstruct, with both Marcus Mariota and novice Desmond Ridder in tow under center. Is it possible they could play spoiler out of the NFC South?

First, they’ll need to make it through their 2022 challengers. Below, discover a total take a look at the groups set to square off with the Falcons this year, along with a rundown of their 18-week regular-season schedule (as soon as revealed):

2022 challengers

Bears: Coming off a 6-11 season, Chicago is still in restore mode, with brand-new coach Matt Eberflus aiming to keep young QB Justin Fields and a stripped-down lineup afloat. Barring an MVP-level breakout from Fields, they do not look all too threatening.

Bengals: The ruling AFC champs ought to be powerful as long as Joe Burrow is upright. An enhanced offending line likewise bodes well for their explosive offense. Don’t eliminate another deep postseason run from this young lot.

Browns: On paper, they have actually got among the very best lineups in the NFL. The concern is, who’s under center? Deshaun Watson might be sidelined for a prolonged suspension. Still, they have actually got the ground video game and veteran defense to be a competitor.

Buccaneers: As long as Tom Brady is under center, they threaten. His weapons needs to still be elite, even as Chris Godwin recuperates from injury. How does Todd Bowles’ takeover on the sidelines impact them, if at all?

Cardinals: Is Kyler Murray under center (and delighted)? If so, Arizona ought to still be a risk offensively, even with DeAndre Hopkins suspended to begin the year. They might not hold true competitors, however they have actually got the skill to make another playoff run.

Chargers: Justin Herbert alone makes them a frightening challenger, today they have actually stockpiled around him, too. The defense, in specific, ought to be nasty with the additions of huge names like Khalil Mack and J.C. Jackson.

Commanders: They’ve been scrappy sometimes, and Carson Wentz and Jahan Dotson ought to provide more offending benefit. Still, this is an unstable company with enigma at crucial areas. They should not be piece of cakes, however they look beatable, too.

49ers: They’ve either been completely in or out of the mix under Kyle Shanahan, mostly based on the health of the lineup. If Deebo Samuel leaves, their offense may look a lot various. And who understands what Trey Lance brings at QB?

Panthers: On paper, they have actually enhanced, including a leading left deal with (Ikem Ekwonu) to an offense that sorely required aid in advance. A healthy Christian McCaffrey and D.J. Moore provides weapons, however the QB scenario stays a huge enigma.

Rams: The ruling Super Bowl champs fared rather well this offseason, keeping some core pieces while spending lavishly on others (Allen Robinson) to keep Matthew Stafford delighted. Sean McVay’s team still appears like an offending juggernaut.

Ravens: Lamar Jackson’s long-lasting future here is cloudy at the minute, however he’s due for a rebound in addition to the rest of a much healthier lineup. Even without “Hollywood” Brown, they have actually got electrical power when totally healthy, particularly on a remade “D.”

Saints: They’ve got a brand-new coach (type of) in Dennis Allen, however the pieces are normally there for them to be competitive once again. Can Jameis Winston remain healthy and upright? That’s the greatest X-factor.

Seahawks: Who’s playing QB? If Pete Carroll is genuinely rolling with Geno Smith or Drew Lock, their ceiling is restricted. But if they double down on the run-first attack, they might still be a difficult out, particularly with Charles Cross going into at left deal with and a defense that can’t be much even worse than in 2015.

Steelers: No matter what, there will be missteps at QB, where novice Kenny Pickett might begin. But Mike Tomlin constantly has them competitive, and the defense, with both fresh and familiar skill, ought to stay among the NFL’s finest.