Atlanta Falcons Playoff Picture: Where Do They Stand After Loss vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers?
The Atlanta Falcons hosted the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday and suffered a loss that for most six-win teams would be detrimental to potential playoff hopes.
But luckily for Atlanta (6-7), despite its 29-25 setback, the NFC South remains wide open, and a path to hosting a Wild Card game is staring at the Falcons, Bucs and New Orleans Saints, all of who are 6-7 headed into Week 15.
Regardless of the criticisms fans might have for the NFC South this year, someone has to come out victorious and will have earned the right to play for a championship in the postseason.
Here's a look at the NFC playoff picture as of Tuesday:
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson (7) reacts with running back Tyler Allgeier (25) after running for a touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
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No. 1 - San Francisco 49ers (10-3)*
No. 2 - Dallas Cowboys (10-3)
No. 3 - Detroit Lions (9-4)
No. 4 - Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-7)
No. 5 - Philadelphia Eagles (10-3)
No. 6 - Minnesota Vikings (7-6)
No. 7 - Green Bay Packers (6-7)
No. 8 - Los Angeles Rams (6-7)
No. 9 - Seattle Seahawks (6-7)
No. 10 - Atlanta Falcons (6-7)
No. 11 - New Orleans Saints (6-7)
No. 12 - New York Giants (5-8)
No. 13 - Chicago Bears (5-8)
No. 14 - Washington Commanders (4-9)
No. 15 - Arizona Cardinals (3-10)
No. 16 - Carolina Panthers (1-12)
* - clinched playoff berth
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Being in that 10th spot obviously shouldn't be a worry to Falcons fans since they would jump up to No. 4 if they're NFC South champs. First, they'll can secure crucial division wins at the Carolina Panthers on Sunday and the Saints in Week 18.
Although Carolina (1-12) is already eliminated, the Falcons could use that division win as a potential tiebreaker based on win percentage in common games, which is why Tampa Bay is currently at No. 4 over Atlanta and New Orleans.
If they win the division, the Falcons could potentially get the short end of the stick and have to face either the Cowboys or Eagles in the Wild Card round. The two rivals are jostling for first-place position in the NFC East, which is appearing more likely to earn either side the No. 2 spot in the postseason behind the red-hot 49ers.
But looking that far ahead is pointless at this stage of the season. Atlanta will have to assure that it doesn't underestimate the one-win Panthers on Sunday, who have nothing to lose in a rivalry game at home. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. ET.
