Falcons vs. Buccaneers 2016: Everything you need to know for Week 1

We are less than a week away from the Falcons’ home opener and the first game of the 2016 season for Atlanta. These last eight-plus months didn’t go by slowly at all.

The Falcons have a brutal early schedule, so this game represents one of their easier contests, and it’s not one you should take for granted by any stretch of the imagination. The Buccaneers beat the Falcons twice a year ago, embarrassing Dan Quinn’s defense both times, and figure to be an improved team in 2016 with Jameis Winston entering his second year and an intriguing defense. Atlanta will have to be much sharper on D and avoid the kinds of costly red zone mistakes they ran into too often a year ago to keep up, but we’ll certainly hope they can start the season 1-0.

Here’s what you need to know to check out the first game of the season. Stay tuned for coverage throughout the week.

Falcons Vs. Buccaneers Game Info

What: Atlanta Falcons vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Week 1 of the NFL season

When: Sunday, September 11 at 1 p.m. EST

Where: Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Georgia

Channel: FOX

Radio: 92.9 The Game

Story lines to watch: Can the Falcons overcome a strong young Buccaneers team they lost to twice in 2015? Is Matt Ryan over his 2015 struggles? Will the Falcons pass rush show up? Will the Bucs be able to pick on Kemal Ishmael, who will start for injured rookie Keanu Neal?

Opposing Blog: Bucs Nation