Falcons vs Broncos Prediction & Betting Tips for NFL Preseason Week 1 on 8/14/2026

The Denver Broncos will kick off their 2026 preseason campaign against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. This game marks the beginning of the NFL preseason for both teams, giving them an opportunity to evaluate their rosters and make necessary adjustments before the regular season. Scheduled for Friday, August 14, 2026, this night game will be broadcasted on ESPN.

Under the leadership of head coach Sean Payton, the Denver Broncos had an impressive 14-3 record in the previous regular season. They advanced to the postseason, where they defeated the Buffalo Bills but fell short in the Conference Championship against the New England Patriots. The Broncos will aim to build on last season's success as they prepare for the upcoming challenges.

The Atlanta Falcons, led by head coach Kevin Stefanski, finished the last regular season with an 8-9 record, missing out on the playoffs. With a fresh start in the preseason, the Falcons are eager to improve their performance under the guidance of their coaching staff, including offensive coordinator Tommy Rees and defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich. Playing at home in the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the Falcons will look to make a strong impression.

According to the game odds, the Broncos are favored with a moneyline of -238 and a spread of -5.5, indicating expectations of a strong performance. On the other hand, the Falcons hold a moneyline of +196 and a spread of +5.5. The total over/under is set at 38.5 points, reflecting predictions of a competitive game.

Falcons vs Broncos At a Glance (Preseason Week 1)

• The game is set for 2026 Preseason Week 1 on Friday, August 14, 2026, at 7:00 PM.
• It will be played at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, with a retractable roof.
• The weather forecast indicates a very hot day with a light breeze and broken clouds.
• Denver Broncos had a 14-3-0 regular-season record last year, while Atlanta Falcons went 8-9-0.
• The Broncos are favored on the moneyline at -238, while the Falcons are at +196.
• The point spread sees the Broncos at -5.5 and the Falcons at +5.5.

Falcons Ready for Takeoff: Atlanta Falcons Preseason Preview

Offensive Overview

The Atlanta Falcons' offense in the 2025 regular season ranked 21st in points per game with an average of 20.8. They showed promise in offensive yards, ranking 14th overall with a total of 5,661 yards. Their ground game was particularly effective, as they ranked 8th in rushing yards per game with 125.8.

Key players to watch this season include quarterback Michael Penix Jr. and running back Bijan Robinson. Last season, Robinson was a standout performer with 1,478 rushing yards, ranking 4th in the league. His ability to break through defensive lines will be crucial for the Falcons' success in this preseason.

Defensive Analysis

The Falcons' defense in 2025 allowed an average of 23.6 points per game, ranking 19th. They excelled at pressuring the quarterback, ranking 2nd in sacks with a total of 57. Their ability to create turnovers was also impressive, ranking 7th in both fumbles recovered and takeaways.

This season, Atlanta will look to build on their defensive prowess with players like A.J. Terrell Jr. and Jessie Bates III in the secondary. Their performance will be pivotal in limiting opponents' passing efficiency and creating opportunities for turnovers.

Injury Concerns

The Falcons have a few injury concerns heading into the preseason. Notably, offensive lineman Storm Norton is out with an ankle injury and will miss the start of the season. Additionally, linebacker Jalon Walker will be sidelined for the 2026-27 season due to a torn ACL.

These injuries could affect the Falcons' depth, particularly on the defensive side. The team will need to rely on their bench strength to cover these gaps in the roster.

Key Players to Watch

Drake London, the leading wide receiver from last season, is expected to continue his form into this season. London recorded 919 receiving yards and 7 touchdowns in 2025, making him a crucial target for Penix Jr. in the passing game.

On the defensive side, James Pearce Jr. and Azeez Ojulari are players to keep an eye on. Their ability to rush the passer and disrupt the opposing offense will be critical in setting the tone for the Falcons' defense.

Atlanta Falcons Betting Trends

• In their last 4 regular-season games in 2025, the Falcons were 4-0 straight up.
• As underdogs, they went 3-0 on over/under in their last 3 regular-season games in 2025.
• After a win, they had a perfect 3-0 record in their last 3 regular-season games in 2025.
• Against the spread as underdogs, they were 6-1 in their last 7 regular-season games in 2025.
• In away games, they were 5-1 against the spread in their last 6 regular-season games in 2025.

The Denver Broncos: Preseason Prospects and Performance Insights

Offensive Overview

The Denver Broncos showcased a solid offensive performance in the 2025 regular season. Ranking 13th in scoring with an average of 23.6 points per game, they demonstrated consistent offensive production. Their total offensive yards were impressive, ranking 10th in the league with an average of 342.6 yards per game.

Their passing game was particularly notable, with 3807 passing yards ranking them 11th. However, the rushing game was average, with 2018 rushing yards and a rank of 15th. The Broncos will aim to improve their ground attack this season.

Defensive Dominance

The Broncos defense was a force to be reckoned with, finishing 3rd in opponent scoring, allowing just 18.3 points per game. They excelled in limiting opponent offensive yards, ranking 2nd with only 278.2 yards allowed per game. This was bolstered by their formidable pass rush, leading the league with 68 sacks.

Their secondary was also effective, limiting opposing teams to 3182 passing yards, ranking 7th. The Broncos' ability to stifle both the pass and the run makes their defense a key strength entering the new season.

Key Players to Watch

Bo Nix, the Broncos' quarterback, is coming off a strong 2025 season, where he threw for 3931 yards, ranking 8th in the league. He also contributed 25 passing touchdowns, showcasing his ability to lead the offense. Running back J.K. Dobbins, who ranked 25th in rushing yards last season, is expected to play a crucial role in the ground game.

On the receiving end, Courtland Sutton will be a pivotal target, having recorded 1017 receiving yards and 7 touchdowns last year. The Broncos will look to these players to drive their offensive success in the upcoming games.

Injury Concerns

Unfortunately, the Broncos have some injury setbacks to consider. Matt Henningsen is out for the season due to a torn Achilles, which impacts their defensive line depth. Additionally, Nick Gargiulo is on the physically unable to perform list with a knee injury.

These injuries could test the Broncos' depth, but they have several key players who can step up and fill these gaps. Depth and resilience will be crucial as they navigate through the preseason and into the regular season.

Betting Trends

• The Broncos have been perfect against the spread as favorites in their last 13 preseason games, winning all 13.
• They have also won all of their last 10 preseason games overall against the spread.
• In preseason games with totals of 42 or less, they have also gone 10-0 against the spread.
• The Broncos have won 13 of their last 14 regular season games straight up.
• In their last 7 preseason games, they have been undefeated straight up.

Falcons vs Broncos Prediction: Broncos -5.5

The Denver Broncos are entering the 2026 preseason as a team that finished with an impressive 14-3 record last regular season. Their defense ranked 3rd in opponent scoring, allowing just 18.3 points per game. Given their recent postseason success and strong defensive stats, they are well-positioned to cover the -5.5 spread against the Atlanta Falcons.

On the other hand, the Atlanta Falcons finished the previous season with a 8-9 record, missing out on the playoffs. While they have shown resilience as underdogs, covering the spread in 6 of their last 7 regular season games, the Broncos' recent form and defensive prowess make them a formidable opponent. This disparity in last season's performance suggests that the Falcons might struggle against a team of the Broncos' caliber.

In the head-to-head matchup history, the Broncos have generally performed well against the Falcons, including a decisive 38-6 victory in their last encounter. The Broncos' offense, which scored an average of 23.6 points per game last season, should find opportunities against a Falcons defense that ranked 19th in opponent scoring. This offers further support to the expectation of a Broncos victory by a margin that covers the spread.

The combination of Denver's strong defensive and offensive records from last season, along with their head-to-head advantage, indicates that they are likely to assert their dominance in this preseason game. Expect the Broncos to utilize their superior defense and capitalize on the Falcons' vulnerabilities to cover the spread convincingly.

• Falcons vs Broncos Prediction: Broncos -5.5
• Falcons vs Broncos Score: Broncos 27 - Falcons 17

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