NFL Playoffs: Falcons boost chances with huge win over Saints

The Atlanta Falcons' playoff hopes remain alive following a huge victory over NFC East rival New Orleans Saints on Sunday.  With that win, the Falcons are tied for first (holding the tiebreaker) in the NFC East and rank fourth in the NFC conference, just ahead of the Dallas Cowboys.  In fact, if the playoffs started […]

Kelsey Kramer — College Football & NFL Trending News Writer
Add as preferred source on Google
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Bud Dupree and quarterback Desmond Ridder react after defeating the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

The Atlanta Falcons' playoff hopes remain alive following a huge victory over NFC East rival New Orleans Saints on Sunday. 

With that win, the Falcons are tied for first (holding the tiebreaker) in the NFC East and rank fourth in the NFC conference, just ahead of the Dallas Cowboys. 

In fact, if the playoffs started today, the Falcons would host the Cowboys in the wild-card round. 

Here's a look at the updated NFC playoff picture after wrapping up Week 12 below: 

NFC Playoff Picture

Division Leaders

1. Philadelphia Eagles (10-1)

2. San Francisco 49ers (8-3)

3. Detroit Lions (8-3)

4. Atlanta Falcons (5-6)

Wild Card Contenders

5. Dallas Cowboys (8-3)

6. Seattle Seahawks (6-5)

7. Minnesota Vikings (6-6)

In the Hunt

8. Green Bay Packers (5-6)

9. Los Angeles Rams (5-6)

10. New Orleans Saints (5-6)

11. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-7)

Playoff Hopes are Dead

12. New York Giants (4-8)

13. Chicago Bears (4-8)

14. Washington Commanders (4-8)

15. Arizona Cardinals (2-10)

16. Carolina Panthers (1-10)

Falcons Playoff Chances Sky Rocket after Saints Win

When the Falcons initially entered Week 12, their chances of making the playoffs were around 31 percent. 

Now? The Falcons have a 63 percent of making the playoffs, according to the New York Times simulator. 

Sure, a win over the Saints helped. But also, the Carolina Panthers and Tampa Bay Buccaneer's Week 12 losses boosted their chances as well. 

Looking ahead, the Falcons have six games left and a lot can happen between now and then. 

Falcons Remaining 2023-24 NFL Schedule

Week 13 at New York Jets
Week 14 vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Week 15 at Carolina Panthers
Week 16 vs. Indianapolis Colts
Week 17 vs. Chicago Bears
Week 18 at New Orleans Saints

What they'll need to focus on is at least beating their divisional matchups, which means a rematch against the New Orleans Saints in Week 18. 

In that scenario, they can lose to the Jets, Colts and Bears while winning the others, which would them an 83 percent chance of making the wildcard round. 

However, there are plenty of other factors and scenarios that could happen and you can play around with them by clicking here.  

For now, the Falcons just need to focus on Week 13 and stacking another win against the Jets. 

Related Articles