If you were asked to provide a one-word description of the Atlanta Falcons' 2026 season so far, you could do a whole lot worse than "chaotic."
The results for Atlanta have been wildly different every week, including one close but winnable loss in the season opener, followed by an embarrassing blowout loss, then a spectacular blowout win over a better team.
What comes next is anybody's guess, and that uncertainty is a huge part of this team's identity right now, according to Jordan Rodrigue at The Athletic. She has a new batch of NFL power rankings with five tiers based on who well each team's plan for the season is working so far.
The Falcons landed in Tier 4, called the "chaotic-uncertain" category, along with the Cleveland Browns, PIttsburgh
Steelers and Washington Commanders.
"Hope rises after a very messy start to the season, because QB Michael Penix Jr. made his first start of the season against the Packers in Week 3 and was outstanding. The skill players — headlined by the electric Bijan Robinson — and offensive line, plus better-than-you-think defense (coached by respected coordinator Jeff Ulbrich), have been the positive sell on this team. Head coach Kevin Stefanski just needed a quarterback who could effectively distribute the ball. Is that Penix? It’s too early to tell. The Falcons are certainly a movement candidate in the coming weeks."
At the very least the Falcons should be considered the most dangerous team in the NFC South, which is a bit like being the biggest, strongest bully in your kindergarten class.
Nevertheless, Atlanta has a young and talented roster that's in its prime. The last missing piece of the puzzle was a competent starting quarterback - and if Michal Penix's performance last Thursday night was not a fluke but a sign of things to come, then the Falcons might finally have it.
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Falcons placed in 'chaotic' tier in new NFL team rankings
