Falcons release unofficial depth chart for preseason opener at Broncos, with starters expected to play

The Atlanta Falcons have posted their unofficial depth chart ahead of the team’s first preseason game, a matchup Friday evening against the Denver Broncos at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The release sets the pecking order for the opening look at both sides of the roster, giving fans and the media a snapshot of how Atlanta intends to structure snaps as the exhibition schedule gets underway.

Head coach Kevin Stefanski indicated that starters will play in the game, an approach that typically indicates how important the first week of preseason reps are to the coaching staff. For players, it means early in the evaluation window, they will get game-speed work rather than only taking limited preseason snaps.

Atlanta’s preseason opener is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET, according to the team’s announcement. The timing matters for how coaches manage their rotations, including how long starters may stay on the field before younger players and fringe roster candidates receive extended opportunities.

Even without regular-season stakes, preseason depth charts often reveal how teams prioritize continuity and competition. Atlanta’s decision to publish an unofficial chart suggests a focus on providing a baseline for the first game, while still leaving room for in-game adjustments depending on how practices and walkthroughs translate to live execution.

The Falcons’ first preseason game also functions as an early benchmark for offensive and defensive rhythm. Coaches typically look for consistent execution in situational football, communication in the secondary, and disciplined assignment football on defense. On offense, the early emphasis usually centers on timing and efficiency, especially in third-down and red-zone sequences.

Against Denver, Atlanta will also be evaluating how its units respond to a different look across preseason, since the Broncos will bring their own rotation and play-calling approach into the matchup. These early exhibitions often show whether an offseason plan holds up under opponent pressure, even when teams are managing personnel.

For Falcons fans, the most practical way to read an unofficial preseason depth chart is as a starting point, not a promise. Depth chart order can shift as the exhibition schedule progresses, particularly once coaches see who can run with the plan, stay consistent in tempo, and earn trust for late-game reps.

What to watch next is whether Atlanta’s starters’ workload aligns with Stefanski’s plan to get meaningful action, and how quickly the Falcons’ second and third units build cohesion. As the preseason moves forward, the early depth chart becomes less about who is listed and more about who is performing when the game gets chaotic.