NFL power rankings: Playoff picture taking shape heading into Week 17
By Peter Panacy
The Atlanta Falcons seriously needed a win over the NFC South division rivals, the New Orleans Saints, in Week 16.
And the Falcons flopped.
They flopped because the Saints did an excellent job shutting down Atlanta’s running game. Devonta Freeman had just 36 yards, while Tevin Coleman had just 12 on six carries.
It didn’t help the Falcons were down 13-0 by halftime, which forced quarterback Matt Ryan to try and make plays with his arms. That’s not a bad situation, per se, especially when your team has wide receiver Julio Jones — he was a factor with 149 yards.
But the Saints got home for five sacks and also forced two turnovers. All those hurt, and they hurt bad.
Atlanta won’t be able to win the division now. But the loss leaves the Falcons clinging to the sixth and final playoff seed in the NFC. And things only get tougher as they host their fellow divisional rivals, the Panthers, to wrap up the regular season.