Why the Atlanta Falcons will make the playoffs

Nov 8, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) is tackled by St. Louis Rams linebacker James Laurinaitis (55) during the first quarter at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Competition

If you take a glance at the NFL.com’s piece on if the season ended today, you will see the Falcons currently resting in one of the two wild-card positions. The Minnesota Vikings currently hold on to the other available spot.

Lagging behind the Falcons and Vikings are the Rams, Seahawks, Eagles, and Saints, none of which have more than four wins heading into Week 10. The Vikings themselves have a tough schedule coming up including games against the Packers twice, the Raiders, Falcons, Seahawks, Cardinals, and New York Giants.

If the Vikings were to falter and lose a few of these games, their own playoff contention would be in jeopardy. The Falcons right now have the keys to their own destiny. Currently sitting two games ahead of any threat to a wild-card spot, they need to rack up wins to ensure that that gap remains. After all, if the Falcons go on another streak, who’s to say at this point the division can’t be won?

Next: How about the offense?