NFC South: Top 10 teams in division history

5) Atlanta Falcons 2004

Sep 7, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons fans pass a logo flag across the stands during the game against the New Orleans Saints during the second half at the Georgia Dome. The Falcons defeated the Saints 37-34 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

The 2004 season was the best season in the Michael Vick era for the Atlanta Falcons. The team won the NFC South for the very first time with an 11-5 record and led the NFL in total rushing with 2,672 yards. Vick had a tremendous year in 2004. He rushed for 902 yards and three touchdowns. He also passed for 2,313 yards and 14 touchdowns.

Atlanta hosted the St. Louis Rams in the first round of the playoffs and defeated them in blowout fashion, 47-17. The win marked Atlanta’s final postseason win until the 2012 season. The Falcons then went on to play the Philadelphia Eagles on the road in the NFC Championship, but lost 27-10. Just three years later Vick would be out of the league and behind bars which sent the Falcons’ franchise into a tail spin.