Why the Atlanta Falcons would have a fighting chance in the playoffs

I cannot believe I am saying this about a team that is last in their division, has a record of 5-9, and has lost five of their last six games, but the Atlanta Falcons do stand a chance in the playoffs.

Now you may be thinking I am crazy, but hear me out because there is legitimate proof that the Falcons could make a short run in the playoffs. By no means am I saying they are a Super Bowl contender, but they could conceivably win a game or two.

The Atlanta Falcons would stand a chance in the playoffs if they can make it

Right now, the Atlanta Falcons are in last place in the division but there is still a path to the playoffs. All four teams—as you have probably heard a million times by now—in the NFC South are within two games. The Falcons are in a three-way tie with the Panthers and Saints, while the Buccaneers sit atop with only one extra win.

So, let’s just say that the Falcons end up making the playoffs despite their slim chances. Most people would predict that they would be run over, but that might not be the case.

Whoever wins the NFC South will likely HOST the Dallas Cowboys. It may seem like a terrible matchup for Atlanta but considering the fact that the Cowboys almost—or should have—lost to the worst team in the NFL (Texans) two weeks ago and then followed it up by losing to the Jaguars, they aren’t exactly proving to be an unbeatable team. Even three weeks ago, they played the Colts and went into the fourth quarter with a two-point lead before Indianapolis completely self-destructed.

The Cowboys can be beaten, even by the Falcons. Add in the fact that they rank 25th in rushing defense and the Falcons might just be a bad matchup for Dallas.

Now, the other teams; the only team that would terrify me is the Eagles. There isn’t really anything that points to them as a team that the Falcons can beat. They are just too good on the ground and through the air, while also having star defenders.

The Vikings are interesting and confusing. They seem to turn their switch on and off from game to game or quarter to quarter. The Cowboys absolutely demolished them and same thing with the Colts—for two quarters. Perhaps you could catch them when they are down and take advantage.

The 49ers are a much different team than they were when the Falcons played them but who can ignore the fact that Atlanta took it to them and won 28-14? T9hey have shown the ability to beat them, that’s all I will say.

Next up are the other two NFC East teams, the Giants and Commanders. The Giants have the second-worst run defense, so the Cordarrelle Patterson and Tyler Allgeier would be able to run all over them. The Commanders may have beat us but they also were a little lucky as a hand tipped the ball which created an interception. If that didn’t happen, then the Falcons likely would have won.

Finally, the three teams who could get lucky and pry themselves into the postseason—Detroit, Seattle, and possibly Green Bay.

Falcons already beat Seattle so check them off the list, Detroit is hot right now and would likely smack Atlanta in the mouth but that heat could wear off at any moment, and Green Bay isn’t a team I would like to play because of Aaron Rodgers, their running game, and a defense that has improved recently, but they are 6-8 for a reason.

All in all, outside of the Eagles, you can make an argument for why the Dirty Birds could win a game or two in the postseason. While it is still unlikely, the team should be fighting to make it in because you never what may happen.