The Falcons record currently stands at .500 for the first time since Week 9 of the 2018 season when Atlanta was 4-4. Of course, the Falcons started 1-1 in 2019, but that .500 record is in the same category as considering a 1-0 team undefeated. Now, Arthur Smith’s Falcons will look to improve their record above .500 record for the first time since the beginning of the 2017 season when the Dan Quinn-led Falcons started 3-1 before their bye week.
The Falcons have an incredible opportunity this week against the reeling Panthers to do just that. The offense is finally starting to look competent; Kyle Pitts put the world on notice against the Dolphins, and Matt Ryan has been playing like a man possessed. The veteran quarterback has thrown for 1,204 yards, ten touchdowns, and one interception in the past four games on 67.5% passing.
Meanwhile, the Panthers are losers of four straight after starting 3-0 and are coming off an embarrassing loss to the lowly Giants. Momentum is vital in the NFL, but anything can happen on any given Sunday. The Falcons would be wise to have a sense of urgency these next few weeks because the playoff picture looks grim if Atlanta loses to Carolina and then New Orleans the following week.
Currently, the Falcons sit behind the Rams, Saints, and Vikings in the playoff standings. It is safe to assume the Cowboys, Packers, and Buccaneers will win their respective divisions, and whichever team loses the NFC West between the Rams and Cardinals will undoubtedly be the 5th seed. Therefore, the Falcons will be battling the teams below for one of two Wild Card spots.
- (7-0) Arizona Cardinals
- (6-1) Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- (6-1) Green Bay Packers
- (5-1) Dallas Cowboys
- (6-1) Los Angeles Rams
- (4-2) New Orleans Saints
- (3-3) Minnesota Vikings
- (3-3) Atlanta Falcons
- (3-4) Chicago Bears
- (3-4) Carolina Panthers
- (2-5) Seattle Seahawks
- (2-4) San Francisco 49ers
According to FiveThirtyEight, the Falcons have a 19% chance to make the playoffs, behind teams like the Saints and Vikings. As of right now, the Falcons will have to outpace the Saints, which starts next week in New Orleans.
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