FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — The clock is ticking on the regular season.
With just three games left in the season, the Falcons (7-7) playoff probability is 31%, according to NFL.com. A win in Week 16 against the New York Giants (2-12) would raise the chance to 38%. Atlanta made a significant change at the quarterback position as it battles for a playoff spot, naming Michael Penix Jr. the starter Tuesday.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-6) continue to hold the No. 1 spot in the NFC South. The Bucs beat the Los Angeles Chargers in their last outing and are in the midst of a four-game win streak since their bye week. For the Falcons to win the division, Tampa would need to lose at least one more game and Atlanta would need to match the Bucs' record at the end of the regular season.
On paper, the Falcons' toughest remaining challenge will be a Week 17 matchup against the Washington Commanders (9-5), which the league announced Tuesday was flexed to "Sunday Night Football". The Commanders currently hold the final wild-card spot in the NFC. The Falcons could potentially earn that wild card spot but would need to win out and have Washington lose two games, including one to Atlanta.
Time is running out and the margin for error is almost zero for many teams, including the Falcons. Here's a current look at the NFC playoff picture as of Wednesday, Dec. 18.
NFC playoff teams
In the hunt (playoff probability via NFL.com)
Potential first-round matchups
- No. 1 Detroit Lions (12-2) — bye
- No. 7 Washington Commanders (9-5) vs. No. 2 Philadelphia Eagles (12-2)
- No. 6 Green Bay Packers (10-4) vs. No. 3 Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-6)
- No. 5 Minnesota Vikings (12-2) vs. No. 4 Los Angeles Rams (8-6)
Divisional standings
NFC South
NFC North
NFC East
NFC West
