Game update (Sunday night): The Atlanta Falcons lost to the Washington Commanders on Sunday night, but are still in contention for the NFC South title. But they cannot control their own destiny. To win the NFC South and qualify for the playoffs, they need to lose to the Buccaneers and beat the Carolina Panthers.
Game update (Sunday afternoon): The Atlanta Falcons won't be able to clinch a playoff spot in Week 17 even if they beat the Washington Commanders tonight, as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers dismantled the Carolina Panthers.
But thanks to their season-long win over the Buccaneers, they have a tiebreaker advantage over Tampa Bay, so even if they lose tonight, Atlanta won't be eliminated this week.
of atlanta falcons Last week, they made the bold decision to bench Kirk Cousins in place of rookie Michael Penix Jr.
The move paid off, building on Atlanta's momentum. new york giants They won with a final score of 34-17, keeping their playoff hopes alive.
There's currently a potential scenario in which the Falcons clinch a playoff spot in Week 17, but they'll need some help to clinch a postseason ticket on Sunday.
Scenario for Falcons to advance to the playoffs
The Falcons have one path to clinch a playoff berth here in Week 17 and win the NFC South.
One element of this scenario is within their control. If the Atlanta Falcons win, commander of washington above Sunday night football, They'll have accomplished a big item on their “to do” list.
But they will need a little help in Week 17 if they are to win today's division and earn a playoff berth. Also, tampa bay buccaneers lose a match with carolina panthers At the east window at 1 p.m. Simply put, the Buccaneers lost, the Falcons won, and Atlanta won the division. Atlanta gained a significant advantage in the tiebreaker by defeating the Buccaneers all season.
But if the Buccaneers win or tie early, the Falcons won't be able to clinch the division even if they beat the Commanders.
Atlanta cannot be eliminated from playoff contention this week because of its tiebreaker advantage over the Buccaneers.
NFC standings heading into Sunday
1.×-detroit lions (13-2, win over MIN, 9-1 NFC)
2.×-philadelphia eagles (12-3)
3. Los Angeles Rams (10-6, win over SEA, 6-5 NFC)
4. atlanta falcons (8-7, victory over TB)
5.×-minnesota vikings (13-2, lost to DET)
6.×-green bay packers (11-4)
7. commander of washington (10-5)
9. seattle seahawks (9-7, 6-6 NFC)
8. tampa bay buccaneers (8-7, lost to ATL, 6-4 NFC)
10. dallas cowboys (7-8, 5-5 NFC) — Lost
11. arizona cardinals (7-9, 3-6 NFC) — Lost
12. san francisco 49ers (6-9, win over DAL) — Eliminated
13. new orleans saints (5-10) — Eliminated
14. carolina panthers (4-11, lost to CHI) — Eliminated
15. chicago bears (5-11, win over CAR) — Eliminated
16. new york giants (2-13) — Eliminated
Teams marked with an x qualify for the playoffs.
