The Falcons (1-1) are set to play their first game against an AFC opponent this season when they face the Indianapolis Colts (1-1) at 1 p.m. Sunday at Lucas Oil Stadium.

The Falcons were swept by the AFC North last season, losing games to Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, Cleveland and Baltimore.

They went 1-3 against the AFC East in 2017, posting a 25-20 win over the Jets to go with losses to the Patriots, Dolphins and Bills.

They are 1-7 in their last eight regular season games against AFC teams, 1-8 if you count Super Bowl LI.

“They are all important, but the (AFC games) deserve some extra time and attention to get to know the players they are playing against more,” Falcons coach Dan Quinn said. “That’s where we tried to dig in harder. We already take pride in our preparation, but this is a quarterback that you haven’t faced or receivers, tight ends or (defensive backs), how do go, you ‘ve got to dig in and watch a lot of (film). That’s what we did to make that as the emphasis.”

Overall under Falcons coach Dan Quinn, the Falcons, including the Super Bowl LI loss to New England, are 6-13 against AFC teams.

In his first season, the Falcons were 3-1 against the AFC South with wins over Houston, Tennessee and Jacksonville. The only loss was to the Colts.

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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins drops back to pass against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025, in New Orleans. (Gerald Herbert/AP)

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