The Atlanta Falcons were the clear frontrunners for the NFC South before their season took an unfavorable turn. Now fighting an uphill battle to reach the postseason, what should fans be rooting for to put the Falcons in the best position for a playoff appearance?
The Falcons Have Realistic Playoff Path But Need Wins
Three weeks ago, the Falcons had a greater than 50% chance to make the playoffs and had a stranglehold on the NFC South. It’s a two-team race between them and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, over whom the Falcons once had a three-game lead in the loss column, plus the head-to-head tiebreaker.
Now, the Falcons head into Week 15 with a 27.7% chance to make the playoffs, according to the PFN Playoff Predictor.
At 6-7, the Falcons are only one game behind the Bucs. But since Atlanta defeated Tampa Bay twice, all the Falcons need to do is finish with the same record. Unfortunately, the Bucs have a much easier schedule and are playing better football.
Can the Falcons turn it around? It starts with them winning this Monday against the Raiders. But since they no longer control their own destiny, what else do they need to break their way?
What Teams Do the Falcons Want To Win in Week 15?
New Orleans Saints (vs. Washington Commanders), Sunday 1:00 P.M. ET
The Commanders are on the road this week in New Orleans. It’s a curious situation for the Falcons, as typically, they would be rooting against a division rival winning. In this case, they actually want the Saints to win.
The Saints are currently 5-8, putting them only one game behind the Falcons. However, with the NFC North almost certainly getting three teams into the postseason, the Falcons’ only alternative to winning the division is to overtake the Commanders for the final Wild Card spot.
The 8-5 Commanders taking a loss, combined with a Falcons win, would narrow the deficit to just one game. Meanwhile, even with a Saints win, they would remain effectively two games behind the Falcons, as the Falcons possess the tiebreaker over the Saints.
Unfortunately, the Commanders are touchdown favorites on the road against a Saints team that will be starting Jake Haener at quarterback due to Derek Carr dealing with a broken left hand, as well as a concussion.
Carolina Panthers (vs. Dallas Cowboys) Sunday, 1:00 P.M. ET
Once again, the Falcons will be rooting for a division rival. At 3-10, the Panthers have been mathematically eliminated from playoff contention. So, their wins can only help.
The Cowboys aren’t exactly a real threat to the Falcons, especially with the Falcons owning the head-to-head tiebreaker. But at 5-8, they’re certainly closer to being a problem than the Panthers. The outcome of this game isn’t of huge importance, though.
Los Angeles Chargers (vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers) Sunday, 4:25 P.M. ET
The Bucs may be a full game ahead of the Falcons, but one loss combined with a Falcons win would move Atlanta back into first place. As an added bonus, the Bucs would be losing to an AFC team, so the Chargers winning would have no impact on the Falcons’ playoff chances.
New England Patriots (at Arizona Cardinals) Sunday, 4:25 P.M. ET
Whenever an AFC team is playing an NFC team that the Falcons can conceivably catch in record, they’ll be rooting for the AFC team. At 6-7, the Cardinals are right in the thick of the Wild Card race. If these teams do end up tied at the end of the season, the Falcons will possess the conference-record tiebreaker.
A Cardinals loss would give Atlanta a little breathing room, at least when it comes specifically to Arizona. However, as six-point home favorites, the Cardinals are expected to win this week.
Green Bay Packers (at Seattle Seahawks) Sunday, 8:20 P.M. ET
The Seahawks are winners of four straight and in control of the NFC West for now. But that could change and the winner of this division could easily end up being 9-8.
With the Packers already possessing nine wins, the Falcons need to assume they won’t be able to catch them. Therefore, it would be better for Atlanta if the 8-5 Seahawks fell to 8-6.
Given Seattle’s remaining schedule, it’s quite conceivable they could lose three of their last four and finish 9-8. Meanwhile, the 6-7 Falcons could win out and get to 10-7. Unfortunately, if both teams finish 9-8, the Seahawks would get in due to having defeated the Falcons earlier this year.
Regardless, it’s much more plausible for the Falcons to win out and catch the Seahawks than it is for the Packers to lose out. Thus, they should want the Packers to win this game.
