Week 1 carries a little more weight than it has in recent years.

Will McFadden

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. There's no easing into the 2025 NFL season for the Atlanta Falcons. On the slate in Week 1: A division matchup against the reigning NFC South champs they intend to dethrone by year's end.

This game was always going to be an important one, regardless of where it fell on the schedule. That it comes at the start means it will also serve as a tone-setter for the season, making it even more meaningful.

"We've got to go find a way to win this football game, whatever that takes," Falcons head coach Raheem Morrissaid Monday.

Entering the year with a prove-it mentality, Atlantacan make a big statement. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have won the NFC South each of the last four years, and they have been picked by many to claim the title for a fifth time.

Nevertheless, the Falcons have reason to be confident heading into Sunday afternoon. They swept the Bucs in their season series last year for the first time since 2018, and they are 6-3 in home division games since 2022. With key additions on defense and Michael Penix Jr. stepping in on offense, Atlanta figures to have a few new looks in store for Tampa Bay.

The recent matchups between these two teams have been competitive. Each of the last four games have been decided by six points or fewer, the first such stretch in the 63-game history of this rivalry. In 2024, the Falcons won with a walk-off touchdown in overtime and by holding off a furious fourth-quarter rally by the Bucs.

"We are playing a big-time opponent," Morris said. "They have owned the division over the last couple of years. We played two great games last year against them, and not because we won the game, because they were really good games. They were fun games to watch. They were fun games to be a part of."

There are some parallel injury concerns for the two clubs. Tampa Bay will be without tackle Tristen Wirfs as well as receivers Chris Godwin and Jalen McMillan. Atlanta will be without tackle Kaleb McGary and receiver Darnell Mooneyis day-to-day. However, the Bucs have a veteran club with consistency at several key spots.

That starts with quarterback Baker Mayfield, who picked up right where Tom Brady left off as the face of the franchise in 2023. He'll be working with his third offensive coordinator in as many seasons, but Mayfield has proven malleable as a centerpiece and is surrounded by a lot of talent.

Mike Evans' reputationspeaks for itselfat this point: He has reached 1,000 yards receiving in each of his 11 NFL seasons. The backfield tandem of Bucky Irving and Rachaad White poses problems for both the run defense and pass coverage, and they will likely serve as the offense's focal point due to the injuries at receiver. And while the Falcons will have four rookies playing significant defensive roles, the Bucs have first-round pick Emeka Egbuka at receiver. He drew rave reviews in camp and figures to start opposite of Evans.

Defensively, the Bucs love to attack. Tampa Bay had the second-highest blitz rate in the league last season at 38.9%, according to Next Gen Stats. The Bucs' 46 sacks were sixth-most in the NFL, and they also ranked fourth in rushing yards allowed per game.

There are no such things as must-win games in Week 1, but Sunday is unquestionably an opportunity to make an early statement. The Falcons have been waiting for the chance to prove themselves. That comes this weekend.

"We've got to come in with that right mindset," Penix said. "To come in to make sure that we dominate from the start of the game all the way to the finish and do whatever it takes to make sure that we come out on top."

Up Next

Videos

Week 1 is FINALLY here! Keys to victory vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Falcons Audible Podcast

Videos

On The Rise | S5E5 | Earning a spot on the Atlanta Falcons roster

Videos

What are the expectations for this Atlanta Falcons team in 2025? | Season Preview

Videos

Billy Bowman Jr. & Leonard Floyd excited to tackle Week 1 | Atlanta Falcons vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Videos

Head Coach Raheem Morris Week One Media Availability | Monday, September 1st | Press Conference

Videos

Best of Michael Penix Jr. | 2025 AT&T Training Camp

Videos

Michael Jarrell, Kaden Elliss & other Falcons on their expectations for the upcoming season

Videos

Exclusive interview on Atlanta Falcons' 2025 initial roster with General Manager Terry Fontenot

Videos

Michael Penix Jr. & Drake London Media Availability | Thursday, Aug. 28th | Press Conference

Videos

Atlanta Falcons Head Coach Raheem Morris Media Availability | Thursday, Aug 28th | Press Conference

Videos

Instant reactions to Atlanta Falcons' 2025 initial roster + Offensive Line news | Atlanta Falcons Podcast

Videos

Liam McCullough is mic'd up in final preseason game vs the Dallas Cowboys

Videos

Head Coach Raheem Morris reflects on final preseason game against Dallas Cowboys | Press Conference

Videos

Falcons vs. Cowboys highlights | Preseason Week 3

Videos

Elijah Dotson explodes down the sidelines for 41-yard run

Videos

Easton Stick does it himself for 12-yard gain and first down

Videos

Easton Stick's 23-TD connection with Feleipe Franks trims Cowboys' lead to 14-9

Videos

Josh Woods' hit-stick tackle ends Cropper's punt return abruptly

Videos

Younghoe Koo drills 38-yard field goal to get Falcons on the board

Videos

Easton Stick lofts pass to Nick Nash for 15-yard gain down sideline

Videos

Easton Stick connects with Nick Nash down the middle for 24-yard gain

Videos

Marquice Williams is mic'd up for AT&T Training Camp

Videos

Best of Defensive Line Highlights | Highlights | 2025 AT&T Training Camp | NFL

Videos

Kaleb McGary injury raises questions at OT & players on the 53-man bubble | Atlanta Falcons Podcast

Videos

C.J. Henderson & other Falcons on preparing for the final preseason game of 2025

Videos

Raheem Morris on preparation for Atlanta Falcons vs Dallas Cowboys road matchup | Press Conference

Videos

Ruke Orhorhoro is mic'd up at AT&T Training Camp

Videos

Kaden Elliss is mic'd up for joint practice with the Tennessee Titans | AT&T Training Camp

Videos

Casey Washington, A.J. Terrell Jr. & other Falcons at the start of week 4 of camp

Videos

Offensive Coordinator Zac Robinson Media Availability | Monday, August 18th | Atlanta Falcons

Videos

Chris Blair, Natrone Brooks & other Falcons after the preseason game against the Tennessee Titans

Videos

Raheem Morris reflects on Falcons vs Titans preseason game | Press Conference

Videos

Titans vs. Falcons Preseason Week 2 highlights

Videos

Can't-Miss Play: 52-yard TD! Stick's deep strike lands in Blair's mitts for six

Videos

Can't-Miss Play: 43-yard TD! Nathan Carter looks like an Olympic sprinter on speedy score

Videos

Younghoe Koo gets Falcons on the board with 42-yard field goal

Videos

Natrone Brooks flies in for interception off Brandon Allen's pass

Videos

Chris Long says the Falcons are "must watch" TV & explains why the defense can improve | Podcast

Videos

All Juice No Brakes | The James Pearce Jr. Story | Rookie Spotlight | Atlanta Falcons

Videos

A.J. Terrell Jr. is mic'd up for joint practices with the Tennessee Titans | AT&T Training Camp