The Falcons sit atop the NFC South with their sights set on ending their postseason drought.
Atlanta hasn’t played in a playoff contest since 2017 and hasn’t hosted a home game since 2016. That means Mercedes Benz Stadium has never seen a postseason game, outside of a few College Football Playoff contests.
The Falcons will really solidify their position with a victory this Sunday against the Buccaneers, which would give them a 4-0 record in the division. So, let’s take a look at the two conference playoff pictures.
AFC Playoff Picture
Division Leaders
1. Miami Dolphins (9-3)
2. Baltimore Ravens (9-3)
3. Jacksonville Jaguars (8-3)
4. Kansas City Chiefs (8-4)
Wild-Card Race
5. Pittsburgh Steelers (7-5)
6. Cleveland Browns (7-5)
7. Indianapolis Colts (7-5)
8. Houston Texans (7-5)
9. Denver Broncos (6-6)
10. Buffalo Bills (6-6)
11. Cincinnati Bengals (5-6)
12. Los Angeles Chargers (5-7)
13. Las Vegas Raiders (5-7)
NFC Playoff Picture
Division Leaders
1. Philadelphia Eagles (10-2)
2. San Francisco 49ers (9-3)
3. Detroit Lions (9-3)
4. Atlanta Falcons (6-6)
Wild-Card Race
5. Dallas Cowboys (9-3)
6. Minnesota Vikings (6-6)
7. Green Bay Packers (6-6)
8. Los Angeles Rams (6-6)
9. Seattle Seahawks (6-6)
10. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-7)
11. New Orleans Saints (5-7)
According to The Athletic, the Falcons have a 67.2% chance of making the playoffs.
As of right now, the Wild Card isn’t out of the question. There are four teams with a 6-6 record, and the Falcons have the tie-breaker over the Packers. If Atlanta doesn’t win the NFC South, the playoffs are still within reach, but there’s no arguing that the division is the easiest path to the postseason.
Regardless of who wins it, they’ll be a lamb to slaughter for the runner-up of the NFC East. Right now, it looks like it’ll be the Cowboys. Jerry Jones’ club traveling to Atlanta for a Wild Card game would be an absolute bloodbath, but just getting to the postseason is a successful season for the Falcons.
—
Photographer: Ken Murray/Icon Sportswire
You must log in to post a comment.