https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AY9ytd5C28A
The Atlanta Falcons may be entering the 2026 NFL season with something dangerously close to hope.
Sports Illustrated senior editor and Bacon Bets Podcast host Iain MacMillan joined Stephie Smalls to preview a Falcons team that could win the NFC South, finish below .500 or somehow accomplish both emotionally.
The biggest question is at quarterback. Tua Tagovailoa is currently favored to begin the season as Atlanta’s starter while Michael Penix Jr. continues working back from injury. Stephie and Iain discuss whether a new setting can help Tua rediscover the form that once made him one of the NFL’s most productive passers—and when the Falcons might eventually turn back to Penix.
Despite the uncertainty at quarterback, Atlanta has plenty of offensive talent. Bijan Robinson, Drake London and Kyle Pitts give new head coach Kevin Stefanski a strong foundation, while rookie Zachariah Branch could emerge as an intriguing fantasy football sleeper.
The episode also examines Atlanta’s win total, NFC South odds and best futures bets. Both Stephie and Iain like the Falcons to clear 6.5 victories, even if another deeply Falcons-esque 8–9 season remains painfully possible. Iain also makes the case for Stefanski to win Coach of the Year and highlights Bijan Robinson’s receiving-yard prop as one of his favorite Atlanta bets.
By the end of the conversation, Iain goes from avoiding thoughts about his favorite team to openly discussing a home playoff game. Falcons optimism remains a fast-moving and medically unregulated substance.
