Falcons still alive in NFC South with 3 games remaining

Even with a 5–9 record, the Atlanta Falcons' playoff hopes were still alive due to NFC South disqualification.

 This division is wide open as all four teams have been unable to find a way out of their way throughout the season.

 So, what needs to happen for the Falcons to return to playing football after the season?

Winning all three remaining games would help, but Atlanta could potentially go 3-0 and miss the playoffs. 

So it will be important to watch what happens with the Buccaneers, Panthers and Saints in these final three weeks.

Say the Falcons win, they would still need the Bucs to lose to either the Cardinals or the Panthers (Tampa Bay and Atlanta play each other in Week 18). 

If the Bucs win their next two games, the Falcons are eliminated. Atlanta also needs the Panthers to 

lose one of their final three games. Carolina plays the Lions, Bucs and Saints.

If both teams were to win, New Orleans would have the head-to-head tiebreaker over Atlanta.

 The Saints have games remaining against the Browns, Eagles and Panthers.

Can the Falcons Lose and Make the Playoffs?

Yes, but they can only take losses against the Ravens or Cardinals. Their Week 18 matchup against the Bucs is a must-win game for Atlanta. 

Playoff talk has intensified in recent weeks as the Falcons continue to lose, but continued poor play in the NFC South keeps giving them life.

As crazy as this season has been so far, Atlanta could still potentially host a playoff game in the wild-card round at Mercedes-Benz Stadium if things shake out properly.

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