The Atlanta Falcons have stumbled along for much of this season, but they got a much-needed win over the Colts in Week 16. They rolled over Indianapolis 29-10 to improve to 7-8 on the season. They moved into a tie with the Saints after New Orleans lost to the Rams on Thursday, but they remain behind the Bucs after Tampa beat Jacksonville.
The Falcons have a shot at both the NFC South and the wild card, but their best shot at a playoff berth is the division.
Atlanta Falcons current odds
DraftKings odds: To make the playoffs — Yes +650, No -1000; NFC South +1200
DVOA playoff odds: 6.4%
ESPN FPI: 9.7%
NY Times odds: 12%
Upcoming Schedule
Week 17: @ Bears
Week 18: @ Saints
Both games are winnable, and that Saints game is a huge rivalry matchup. Even if the Falcons can’t win the division at that point, beating their rivals at the Superdome would send them into the offseason happy. A split is possible, but we’ll be optimistic on Christmas.
Final record prediction: 9-8
Current NFC playoff standings
1. San Francisco 49ers, 11-3 — clinched NFC West
2. Detroit Lions, 11-4 — clinched NFC North
3. Philadelphia Eagles, 10-4 — clinched playoff berth
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 8-7
5. Dallas Cowboys, 10-5 — clinched playoff berth
6. Los Angeles Rams, 8-7
7. Seattle Seahawks, 8-7
8. Minnesota Vikings, 7-8
9. Atlanta Falcons, 7-8
10. New Orleans Saints, 7-8
11. Green Bay Packers, 7-8
12. Chicago Bears, 6-9
Verdict
The Falcons will come up short. Even if they win out, the Bucs just need one win to clinch. With a road game at Carolina to close the season, Tampa is in prime position to win the division.