FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — The regular season comes to a close this week. The Falcons (8-8) still have a slim path to the playoffs, but a path, nonetheless.
After losing to the Washington Commanders (11-5) in Week 17, paired with a Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-7) victory, the Falcons fell out of the top NFC South spot and out of the current playoff picture.
Before last week Atlanta had a 54% chance to clinch a postseason berth, according to NFL.com, but that percentage has fallen to just 11%. The Buccaneers are in the division driver's seat with an 89% chance of making the playoffs.
To beat the odds, the Falcons would need to win their regular season finale against the Carolina Panthers (4-12) at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and the Bucs would have to lose to the New Orleans Saints (5-11) at home (yes, that means rooting for the Saints). Both those games kick off at 1 p.m. Sunday.
There's just one playoff spot still up for grabs in the NFC as the season winds down, and all eyes are on the NFC South. Take a look at where things stand as of Wednesday, Jan. 1:
NFC playoff teams
In the hunt (playoff probability via NFL.com)
Potential first-round matchups
- No. 1 Detroit Lions (14-2) — bye
- No. 7 Green Bay Packers (11-5) vs. No. 2 Philadelphia Eagles (13-3)
- No. 6 Washington Commanders (11-5) vs. No. 3 Los Angeles Rams (10-6)
- No. 5 Minnesota Vikings (14-2) vs. No. 4 Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-7)
Division standings
NFC South
NFC North
NFC East
NFC West
