The Atlanta Falcons got a big win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday on the road to move to 10-1 on the season. The win put the Falcons four games up on the Bucs. Combine that with a Saints loss that put New Orleans at 5-6 on the season, and the division is within Atlanta’s grasp this week.
The Falcons and Saint have a short week to get prepared, as they meet on Thursday Night in the Georgia Dome. Of course, the only loss by the Falcons this season was on the road to New Orleans. And it looked like the Saints were rolling and making a second half push for the playoffs until a loss on Sunday to the 49ers at home.
The loss really puts New Orleans into a corner. The Falcons know that a win on Thursday, combined with a Bucs loss would give them the division.
Sure, it’s probably only a matter of time, but it’s always nice to be the first team to wrap up the division and secure the playoff berth.
Atlanta should have bigger goals on their mind this season,, including home field advantage in the NFC. The Falcons have struggled in the postseason the last couple of years, going out in their first game in each.
Two years ago, the Falcons were the No.1 seed in the NFC, and lost to the Green Bay Packers, who went on to win the Super Bowl. Actually, Atlanta’s last two playoff losses were to eventual Super Bowl champions, losing to the Giants last season.
If one team has given Atlanta trouble over the last several season, it has been Drew Brees and the Saints.
New Orleans is in a must-win situation, which will certainly add to their motivation. The Falcons can afford a loss, but in a battle for the NFC No.1 seed in the playoffs, they can’t afford too many. The tie for the 49ers two weeks ago certainly helped, and they have a two-game lead over the Chicago Bears.