The Atlanta Falcons have had a very interesting season and made the bold decision to switch from Kirk Cousins to Michael Penix Jr. ahead of Week 16.
Now, after losing to the Washington Commanders in Week 17, what does that mean for the Falcons’ playoff hopes?
Let’s use the PFN NFL Playoff Predictor to break down their scenarios in Week 18.
What Is the Current Atlanta Falcons’ Playoff Picture?
With the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ win over the Carolina Panthers in Week 17 and the Falcons’ loss to the Commanders, the Bucs are now 9-7 and back in first place in the division. While the Falcons previously controlled their own destiny, their overtime loss on Sunday Night Football means Atlanta can only make the playoffs with help from the Bucs.
The Falcons are currently ninth in the NFC standings, and due to the way the NFC has played out, they cannot earn an NFC Wild Card spot.
Atlanta is facing an all-or-nothing scenario for the NFC South in Week 18, meaning they need to get a win over the Panthers and hope the Bucs lose to the Saints.
What Did the Falcons’ Week 17 Loss Mean for Their Playoff Scenarios?
While the Falcons’ SNF loss did not immediately eliminate them from the postseason, it does mean they no longer control their own destiny. It also ruled them out of the No. 3 seed, which would give them a potentially tougher path to the Super Bowl and also reduce their chances of hosting the NFC Championship Game even if they do win the division.
Since the Bucs defeated the Panthers on Sunday, Tampa Bay now controls its own destiny with a matchup against the Saints in Week 18.
Tampa Bay is now 9-7 compared to 8-9 for the Falcons, so a Buccaneers tie or win would give them the division and leave the Falcons watching the postseason from home.
If the Bucs lose to the Saints next week and the Falcons win next week against Carolina, they will win the division thanks to the head-to-head tiebreaker.
To simulate all the different scenarios, head over to PFN’s free NFL Playoff Predictor to see how they change the playoff picture and the NFL postseason bracket.