Falcons Playoff Race: Does Atlanta Need to Win Out?

In Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the Atlanta Falcons (7-8) defeated the Indianapolis Colts (8-7) 29-10 to end a two-game losing run. Can Atlanta still live up to the postseason expectations it had at the start of the season?

The truth of Sunday is that the Falcons finished the 16th week with a record of 7-8, tied with the Minnesota Vikings and New Orleans Saints, demonstrating that they performed well and had some assistance.

In Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the Atlanta Falcons (7-8) defeated the Indianapolis Colts (8-7) 29-10 to end a two-game losing run. Can Atlanta still live up to the postseason expectations it had at the start of the season?

The truth of Sunday is that the Falcons finished the 16th week with a record of 7-8, tied with the Minnesota Vikings and New Orleans Saints, demonstrating that they performed well and had some assistance.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers dominated the Jacksonville Jaguars, 30-12, and now hold sole possession of first place in the NFC South by one game.

Tampa Bay owns the tiebreaker over the Falcons, and with two games left to play, would need to lose out while Atlanta wins out in order for coach Arthur Smith’s team to win the division. In the wildcard race, both the Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Rams won, advancing to 8-7 on the season.

Tiebreak scenarios come down to records against NFC opponents, and the Rams (6-4) and Seahawks (6-5) both hold two-game advantages over the Falcons (4-6).

In order to tie the conference record, Atlanta must win both of its remaining NFC road games against the Chicago Bears and New Orleans Saints.

Nevertheless, Seattle has one more NFC opportunity, which comes against the Arizona Cardinals (3-12) in the season finale, while Los Angeles has two more.

Thus, according to the New York Times Playoff Predictor, the Falcons have just a 12 percent probability of qualifying for the postseason and an 8 percent chance of winning the NFC South.

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