Why the Atlanta Falcons will make the playoffs

November 8, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Atlanta Falcons head coach Dan Quinn (left) high-fives outside linebacker Brooks Reed (56, right) during the third quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi

After losing three of their last four games, the Atlanta Falcons have fallen under some scrutiny as to how they will finish the season. The Falcons began on a hot streak, winning five consecutive games and being talked about as one of the major contenders in the NFC.

Entering the bye week, the Falcons are sitting at 6-3 with a relatively favorable schedule remaining. In retrospect, the losses the Falcons have had were close games that should have been won. The first loss of the season to New Orleans was a game in which the Falcons turned the ball over five times, which led to the eventual 10-point loss.

MORE: Complete NFL power rankings entering Week 10

The second loss of the season? The Falcons turned the ball over four times. Each of Tampa’s 20 points leading into overtime were scored off of one of the four turnovers. Last week’s loss to the San Francisco 49ers even seemed to be in the bag until a late game decision and a failed defensive stop left the Falcons with no time and a loss to one of the worst teams in the league.

However, the shortcomings the Falcons have faced will not stop their playoff aspirations. Here are a few reasons why the Falcons will make the playoffs this year.

Next: A note on the head coach