The Atlanta Falcons are facing pressure in the NFC South after suffering back-to-back losses leading into their bye week. The team is using this break as an opportunity to regroup and refocus. Their recent poor performance in Denver highlighted the urgency for improvement, especially with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers claiming victory over the New York Giants, tightening the competition. Currently, only one game separates the top teams in the division, but the Falcons hold the tiebreaker advantage.
As the Falcons prepare to take on the 7-4 Los Angeles Chargers in Week 13, they have an advantageous situation; the Chargers are traveling cross-country after their Monday night game. A victory in this matchup could not only boost team morale but also snap their three-game losing streak against the Chargers, marking only their second win this season against a team with a winning record.
From a broader perspective, if the Falcons triumph over the Chargers, they will need to secure at least four wins from their remaining six games to stay competitive in the division. Their potential schedule includes matchups against the Giants, Raiders, and Panthers, and with favorable logistics coming off a bye week, the Chargers game appears to be their best shot at a crucial victory.
If the Falcons secure the win, they could potentially ascend to third place in the NFC standings, especially if the Seahawks lose to the Jets. This victory would help solidify their chances of securing a Wildcard spot if the Buccaneers continue to pursue them in the division.
On the flip side, if the Falcons lose, their season could take a troubling turn, resulting in a three-game losing streak and a challenging upcoming game against the 9-2 Minnesota Vikings. While they would maintain a tiebreaker edge over the Buccaneers temporarily, a subsequent loss could significantly impact their playoff chances. Currently, playoff projections suggest a 78% chance of making the playoffs, but a loss followed by a Buccaneers win could shrink this to 64%.
In summary, the upcoming game against the Chargers is pivotal for the Falcons. A win could rejuvenate their season and keep their playoff hopes alive, while a defeat could complicate their path moving forward.
The situation fosters a sense of hope for Falcons fans, as a strong performance against the Chargers could be the turning point for the remainder of their season.