2012 NFL Playoff Picture Finalized: Falcons Vs. Giants The Last Matchup Booked

Despite a late comeback effort, the Dallas Cowboys fell 31-14 to the New York Giants in the de facto NFC East championship game, meaning the Atlanta Falcons will head to the Meadowlands in next week's 2012 NFL playoffs opening round.

Dallas and New York are similar teams, with capable-if-flaky quarterbacks, many offensive weapons, and fierce pass rushers, but the rooting interest clincher for many Falcons fans was the fact that the Giants play outdoors up north and the Cowboys play beneath a roof. Numbers show Matt Ryan's better indoors, for one thing, but Atlanta's going to just have to pack some long sleeves.

According to Football Outsiders' numbers, the Giants are the NFL's 13th best team (Atlanta ranks No. 10). Their offense ranks No. 7, while their defense stands at No. 21. They rank fourth in passing yardage and last in rushing yardage, which does not play to Atlanta's defensive strengths at all. However, Michael Turner, Roddy White and Julio Jones should be able to damage a defense that ranks in the bottom 11 in yards allowed against both the run and pass.

Expect New York to be favored, though perhaps by only four or five points.

2012 NFL playoff TV times and channels, all p.m. ET:

NFC

Detroit Lions at New Orleans Saints: Saturday at 8, NBC

Atlanta Falcons at New York Giants: Sunday at 1, Fox

AFC

Cincinnati Bengals at Houston Texans: Saturday at 4:30, NBC

Pittsburgh Steelers at Denver Broncos: Sunday at 4:30, CBS

Divisional Round:

Saturday, Jan 14

• 4:30 p.m. - NO/NYG/ATL at San Francisco
• 8 p.m. - DEN/PIT/CIN at New England

Sunday, Jan 15

• 1 p.m. - HOU/DEN/PIT at Baltimore
• 4:30 p.m. - NYG/ATL/DET at Green Bay

Head to SB Nation's NFL news section many NFL blogs for more. For more on this game, vist Falcons blog The Falcoholic and Giants blog Big Blue View, plus SB Nation New York.

2012 NFL Playoffs TV Schedule: Times And Channels Set For Opening Round

The 2012 NFL playoff bracket is just about set, but we've already got TV broadcast schedules to work with.

Falcons Vs. Buccaneers Final Score: Falcons Win 45-26, Lock Up No. 5 Seed In Playoffs

With multiple starters- including Matt Ryan- not coming into the game at all during the second half, the remainder of this football game was fairly quiet. Brian Van Gorder engaged his classic "prevent" zone defense against which the Bucs were able to put some points on the board, but nowhere close to what was needed to catch the Falcons.

While Chris Redman wasn't able to really put any points on the scoreboard, Atlanta was still able to hold on for the 45-26 victory. For the Falcons this win not only locks up the No. 5 seed in the playoffs, but also should help this team build some confidence going into the postseason.

Whereas last week's loss to the Saints was perhaps the worst this team has to offer, today gave witness to the Falcons at their very best. Matt Ryan broke the franchise record for passing yards in a season, Michael Turner broke the franchise's all-time TD record on his way to 172 yards rushing, and as a whole the defense played much, much better.

Now all that remains for Mike Smith and the Falcons is a bit of scoreboard-watching to determine whether they'll be facing the New York Giants or the Dallas Cowboys in the first round of the playoffs.

Head to SBNation.com for more Week 17 NFL playoff scenarios as the field comes into focus. For more on this game, visit Falcons blog The Falcoholic and Buccaneers blog Bucs Nation.

NFL Playoff Picture Update: Falcons Draw Either Cowboys Or Giants

Expect Sunday Night Football (8:20 p.m. ET, NBC) to earn good ratings in Atlanta this week. The winner of the game between the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants will host the Atlanta Falcons in the opening week of the 2012 NFL playoffs, as the Birds downed the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 45-24, to lock up the No. 5 seed.

Rooting for Dallas myself, as it would mean an indoor game and avoiding a hot New York passing game. Then again, 3-4 systems have tripped up the Falcons in the playoffs two times in a row. Then again, Eli Manning throws a lot of interceptions, and Atlanta has a reasonably ball-hawky secondary. I'm torn.

Let's just say it will feel pretty good to play a NFC East champion that isn't the Philadelphia Eagles in the playoffs. Who would've thought that would happen?

Head to SBNation.com for more Week 17 NFL playoff scenarios as the field comes into focus. For more on this game, Falcons blog The Falcoholic and Bucs blog Bucs Nation.

ANIMATED: Falcons-Bucs Fight Ends After Donald Penn Shove Of Dunta Robinson

Falcons Vs. Buccaneers Halftime Score: Falcons Up 42-7, Dominating In Every Sense

As this game has progressed into the second quarter, things couldn't have gotten any better for the Falcons. Conversely, the Buccaneers could not have looked any worse.

It's only halftime, and Michael Turner has already amassed 172 yards rushing on 17 carries in addition to two touchdowns that contributed to the 35-point lead. Perhaps most impressive from Turner was his 80-yard scoring run that came midway through the second quarter, in which he outran almost the entirety of the struggling Bucs defense:

However, the offense hasn't been the only positive for the Falcons today. The defense has displayed some much-improved play and a renewed aggression. John Abraham added on to the slaughter with a sack and forced fumble, which would later lead to a score.

Then later Curtis Lofton would Josh Freeman's pass perfectly, intercepting the throw and returning it 26 yards for a touchdown, essentially turning the game into a full-on blowout.

Already, Mike Smith has a few starters out of the game, including Matt Ryan. With such a large lead, we'll likely see the likes of Chris Redman and Jacquizz Rodgers on offense for the remainder of this tune-up game.

Head to SBNation.com for more Week 17 NFL playoff scenarios as the field comes into focus. For more on this game, visit 49ers blog Niners Nation and Rams blog Turf Show Times, plus SB Nation Bay Area and SB Nation St. Louis.

Falcons Vs. Buccaneers Update: Atlanta Off To Hot 21-0 Start In The Dome

Coming into this game, the Falcons were expected to win handily over a struggling Bucs football team, and so far that looks like it will hold true. With over three minutes left in just the first quarter, Atlanta already leads 21-0 in the Georgia Dome, and two more Ryan-to-Jones TD connections are in the books.

Michael Turner, who struggled back in week three against Tampa, already has 56 yards rushing on only eight carries, including a 26-yard run on his first touch of the game. The Falcons would embark on a 12-play, 80 yard drive, capped off by a one-yard TD run by Jacquizz Rodgers.

After the defense forced a three and out (Kroy Biermann would sack Josh Freeman on third down), the Falcons marched right back down the field for another score. This time, Matt Ryan would find Julio Jones on a drag route, and he'd run it in for a 17-yard touchdown catch:

Then Dominique Franks, filling in for an inactive Brent Grimes, would intercept a poor Freeman pass around midfield, giving the ball right back to a red-hot Falcons offense. What would follow is quite possibly the most impressive Falcons play of the year.

On the first play following the turnover, Ryan would heave the ball downfield and hit Jones again in double coverage. Having not been touched, Jones regained his feet and fought through multiple would-be tacklers for a 48-yard touchdown, his second of the day. Watch and be amazed:

The Falcons now lead 21-0 and are rolling in the Georgia Dome. With Packers now all but guaranteed of holding on to beat the Lions, that's a double win for the Dirty Birds.

Head to SBNation.com for more Week 17 NFL playoff scenarios as the field comes into focus. For more on this game, visit 49ers blog Niners Nation and Rams blog Turf Show Times, plus SB Nation Bay Area and SB Nation St. Louis.

NFL Playoff Picture: Falcons Likely To Either Cowboys Or Giants After Packers Win

The local sports fan has likely sprouted something of a soft spot for the Detroit Lions over the years, seeing as they employ former Peach State greats Calvin Johnson and Matthew Stafford. But the Atlanta Falcons fan had to spend much of Sunday rooting against the Lions, as a Detroit victory would've hurt Atlanta's NFL playoff standing.

The Lions nearly pulled off the win, but backup Matt Flynn's record-breaking (six touchdowns, more than Brett Favre, Aaron Rodgers or Bart Starr ever threw) day made it 45-41, and a Stafford pick sealed it. The Falcons will not meet the New Orleans Saints next week, and will instead await the winner of Sunday night's Cowboys-Giants game.

(Yes, I'm counting this Bucs game as a Falcons W for now.)

Stafford finishes the year with 5,000 yards, and Pro Bowler Johnson posted an absurd 244-yard day of his own. Here's an earlier touchdown from Stafford to Megatron, and for it we've decided to root for them quite a bit less fervently for the time being:

Head to SBNation.com for more Week 17 NFL playoff scenarios as the field comes into focus. Head to Packers blog Acme Packing Company and Lions blog Pride of Detroit for more on this game, plus SB Nation Detroit.

NFC Playoff Picture 2012: 49ers Win Means No Saints Bye

Entering Week 17, there was a chance of the Atlanta Falcons traveling to play the San Francisco 49ers in the opening round of the playoffs, though that was the unlikeliest destination. But the Niners have beaten the St. Louis Rams, 34-27 after a comeback effort, meaning the playoff picture remains as expected.

The Birds will play either the Saints or the NFC East champs, depending on whether the Green Bay Packers can take down the Detroit Lions -- and whether Atlanta can beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, of course. The score in that game is 38-34, Packers, at the moment.

Some had hoped for an Atlanta trip to play San Fran, as Alex Smith is the least-threatening quarterback in a NFC field crowded with talented arms. (And, you know, they almost just let the nearly quarterbackless Rams come back.) Still the Niners have one of the NFL's best defenses and that's quite a

Head to SBNation.com for more Week 17 NFL playoff scenarios as the field comes into focus. For more on this game, visit 49ers blog Niners Nation and Rams blog Turf Show Times, plus SB Nation Bay Area and SB Nation St. Louis.

NFL Playoff Picture 2012: Saints Win, Falcons Rematch Not Yet Ruled Out

The New Orleans Saints likely won't be able to reach the No. 2 NFC seed, as the San Francisco 49ers are taking care of the St. Louis Rams right now, but by demolishing the Carolina Panthers 45-17, they're still in line to host either the Atlanta Falcons or Detroit Lions in the opening round of the playoffs.

The Green Bay Packers are beating the Lions at the moment, which means the Falcons could head to play the NFC East champ instead of returning to the Superdome.

Following up on Drew Brees' record-setting week that had one anonymous Falcons player miffed, Sean Payton found a way to ring up records for Jimmy Graham (tight end yards in a season, which ) and Darren Sproles (all-purpose yards in a season) as well. Here's one Graham touchdown, as awful as all the others:

Head to SBNation.com for more Week 17 NFL playoff scenarios as the field comes into focus. Head to Saints blog Canal Street Chronicles and Panthers blog Cat Scratch Reader for more on this game.

Falcons Vs. Buccaneers: Multiple Atlanta Franchise Records Could Fall

Falcons Vs. Buccaneers: Cornerback Brent Grimes Among Atlanta Inactives

Inactives for the Atlanta Falcons include cornerback Brent Grimes and linebacker Stephen Nicholas. Grimes was on the injury report (knee) all week and did not practice on Friday.

Falcons inactives: QB - J Wilson, CB - B Grimes, LB - S Nicholas, C - B Romberg, OL - K Chambers, WR - K Meier, DE - C Matthews #atltb11

— Jay Adams (@FalconsJAdams) January 1, 2012

Jeremy Trueblood highlights the Tampa Bay list of inactives and is joined by defensive end Michael Bennett and wide receivers Sammie Stroughter and Arrelious Benn.

Bucs' IAs today: QB R.Carpenter, WR A.Benn, WR S.Stroughter, CB A.Gaitor, DE D.Te'o-Nesheim, T J.Trueblood & G D.Hardman.

— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@TBBuccaneers) January 1, 2012

Tackle James Lee will get the start for the Buccaneers in the place of Trueblood. Defensive lineman Albert Haynesworth and Brian Price are both active for Tampa Bay but Frank Okam and Roy Miller will start.

For more on the Falcons, head to The Falcoholic. For more on the Bucs, visit Bucs Nation. For more on the NFL, head to SB Nation's NFL hub.

Tony Gonzalez Signs One-Year Contract Extension With Falcons

According to a report by Jay Glazer, Tony Gonzalez has signed a one-year contract extension with the Atlanta Falcons worth $7 million.

NFL Picks, Week 17: Buccaneers-Falcons, Panthers-Saints, Giants-Cowboys And More

It's the NFL's Week 17, when gambling takes on a hint of homework. You gotta know who's trying for the playoffs, who's already there, who's playing for pride, and who's (maybe) playing or the number one draft pick. The lines - and the scenarios - are here!

Buccaneers Vs. Falcons: Game Time, TV Schedule, Radio Streaming And More

Only the Tampa Bay Buccaneers stand between the Atlanta Falcons and the 2011 NFL playoffs.

2011 NFL Playoff Scenarios: Falcons Playing For No. 5 Or No. 6 Seed

Head to SBNation.com for more Week 17 NFL playoff scenarios as the field comes into focus.

The Atlanta Falcons have already clinched the a playoff spot as a wild card team, but the outcome of their matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers can still decide who they play in the first round of the playoffs. The highest seed that the Falcons can get is a No. 5 seed and that will happen if they defeat the Buccaneers and the Detroit Lions lose to the Green Bay Packers. If that happens then the Falcons would travel to player the winner between the New York Giants and Dallas Cowboys.

Now, if the Lions finish with a better record than the Falcons they are the No. 6 seed and their opponent would likely be the New Orleans Saints. However, there is a possibility that the Falcons could have to travel to the West coast and face the San Francisco 49ers. The way that matchup could happen is if the Saints defeat the Carolina Panthers and the 49ers lose to the St. Louis Rams.

For more on the Falcons go check out The Falcoholic.

Week 17 NFL Lines And Odds: Falcons Vs. Buccaneers

The Atlanta Falcons are double-digit favorites over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers heading into Week 17.

Buccaneers Injury Report, Week 17: Kellen Winslow Misses Practice

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers aren't expected to put up much of a fight against the playoff-bound Atlanta Falcons in Week 17, but being without Kellen Winslow might make their chances of pulling an upset even more minuscule.

Winslow missed practice on Friday due to something that is not injury-related, and his status for Sunday's game is unclear.

The rest of the Buccaneers injury report is relatively clean: Jeremy Trueblood is out with a concussion, and wide receiver Arrelious Benn and defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth are both questionable, but no other major name is worse than probable.

Here's the rest of the Bucs injury report for Week 17:

OUT: T Jeremy Trueblood (concussion).

DOUBTFUL: none.

QUESTIONABLE: WR Arrelious Benn (neck), DE Michael Bennett (toe), DT Brian Price (ankle), DT Albert Haynesworth (knee).

PROBABLE: DE Adrian Clayborn (hamstring), LB Geno Hayes (finger), LB Adam Hayward (foot), DT Roy Miller (back), WR Preston Parker (concussion), WR Sammie Stroughter (knee).

For more on the Falcons, head to The Falcoholic; for more on the Buccaneers, visit Bucs Nation.

Falcons Injury Report, Week 17: Atlanta Healthy Before Buccaneers, Playoffs

The Atlanta Falcons are hoping for the No. 5 seed in the NFC playoffs, and will need to win in Week 17 to claim that standing. (They will also be hoping for a Detroit Lions loss.) Fortunately, the Falcons are quite healthy heading into their match-up with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

No Falcons are listed as out for Sunday's game, and just two, little-used Kerry Meier and linebacker Stephen Nicholas, are listed as doubtful. Defensive end Ray Edwards and Brent Grimes are both listed as questionable with knee injuries.

Here's the rest of the Falcons injury report for Week 17:

OUT: none.

DOUBTFUL: WR Kerry Meier (groin), LB Stephen Nicholas (toe).

QUESTIONABLE: DE Ray Edwards (knee), CB Brent Grimes (knee).

PROBABLE: DE John Abraham (not injury-related), TE Tony Gonzalez (not injury-related), WR Julio Jones (ankle), LB Curtis Lofton (ankle), C Todd McClure (not injury-related), CB Christopher Owens (hand), T Will Svitek (groin), WR Harry Douglas (groin), TE Reggie Kelly (back), TE Michael Palmer (knee), RB Michael Turner (groin).

For more on the Falcons, head to The Falcoholic; for more on the Buccaneers, visit Bucs Nation.

Falcons Fantasy Football Start 'Em/Sit 'Em, Week 17: Michael Turner A Question Mark In Final Week

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Injury Report, Week 17: Defensive Line Depth Still A Concern

The injury report for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers actually improved slightly on Thursday but it is a little deceiving considering that Thursday's practice was just a walk-through. There is still concern as to whether or not defensive tackles Albert Haynesworth or Roy Miller will be able to play on Sunday.

Linebacker Geno Hayes was listed as a full-participant in Thursday's practice as was wide receiver Sammie Stroughter for the second consecutive day.

Here is a look at the full Tampa Bay Buccaneers injury report for Thursday, December 29:

Did Not Participate
Arrelious Benn (neck)
Michael Bennett (toe)
Adrian Clayborn (hamstring)
Brian Price (ankle)
Jeremy Trueblood (concussion)
Kellen Winslow (not injury related)

Fully Participated
Geno Hayes (finger)
Albert Haynesworth (knee)
Adam Hayward (foot)
Roy Miller (back)
Preston Parker (concussion)
Sammie Stroughter (knee)

For more on the Falcons check out The Falcoholic, SB Nation's Atlanta Falcons blog. For more on the Bucs check out Bucs Nation, SB Nation's Tampa Bay Buccaneersblog. For more on the NFL, check out the SB Nation NFL hub page.

Atlanta Falcons Injury Report, Week 17: Michael Turner Limited Again On Thursday

Atlanta Falcons running back Michael Turner was a limited participant in practice again on Thursday with a sore groin. Rookie wide receiver Julio Jones was a full participant in Thursday's practice after being limited on Wednesday. Defensive end Ray Edwards sat out practice for the second straight day with a knee injury.

Here is a full look at the Falcons injury report for Thursday, December 29:

Did Not Participate
Ray Edwards (knee)
Kerry Meier (groin)
Stephen Nicholas (toe)

Limited Participant
Brent Grimes (knee)
Harry Douglas (groin, shoulder)
Reggie Kelly (back)
Michael Palmer (knee)
Michael Turner (groin)

Fully Participated
John Abraham (not injury related)
Tony Gonzalez (not injury related)
Todd McClure (not injury related)
Julio Jones (ankle)
Curtis Lofton (ankle)
Chris Owens (hand)
Will Svitek (groin)

For more on the Falcons check out The Falcoholic, SB Nation's Atlanta Falcons blog. For more on the Bucs check out Bucs Nation, SB Nation's Tampa Bay Buccaneersblog. For more on the NFL, check out the SB Nation NFL hub page.

An Atlanta Falcons Playoff Run: Recent History Shows Late-Season Performance Means Squat

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Injury Report, Week 17: Defensive Line Woes Could Create Depth In 2012

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have been ravaged by injuries all season, and for the Bucs' defensive line new young talent has emerged as potential impact players in 2012.

Atlanta Falcons Injury Report, Week 17: Spencer Adkins To Start At Outside Linebacker

The Atlanta Falcons will have a new starter on the defense as they prepare to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in their final regular season game Sunday.

Falcons Vs. Buccaneers: Spencer Adkins To Start For Mike Peterson

The veteran linebacker will miss the rest of the season with a triceps tear.

Falcons Fantasy Football Projections, Week 17: Birds Get Soft Matchup In Season Finale

Falcons Vs. Buccaneers Odds, Spread: Birds Favored In Final Game

Falcons Vs. Buccaneers: Atlanta Places Kelvin Hayden, Mike Peterson On Injured Reserve

The Atlanta Falcons announced on Tuesday that they had placed Kelvin Hayden and Mike Peterson on season ending injured reserve.

Week 17 NFL Power Rankings: Falcons Remain In Top Ten

The Atlanta Falcons suffered a brutal loss against the New Orleans Saints on Monday night. The loss came with an inevitable dip in the weekly NFL power rankings.

Falcons Playoff Scenarios 2011: To New Orleans, Dallas Or New York?

The Falcons can play either the Cowboys, Giants or Saints in Round 1 of the NFL playoffs.

Falcons Schedule 2011: Round Two Against The NFC South

For this final installment of the schedule preview, we'll be looking at the Falcons' second round of NFC South matchups this season. Interestingly enough, Atlanta faces the Saints, Bucs and Panthers all within the last four weeks of the season. Should make the division race interesting, to say the least.

Even though the Falcons went 5-1 against the South last season, this still remains probably the toughest division in football. The Saints are one of the NFC's elite teams. The Buccaneers have loads of young talent, and very easily could've been in the playoffs last season. And despite having a 2-14 record, the Panthers still have several star players on their roster, particularly defense.

The Falcons should be able to take two from the Cam Newton-led Panthers, if only for the fact that their passing game will be non-existent. Steve Smith can only do so much by himself. The defense has some intimidating guys like Jon Beason and Charles Johnson, but there are a few unproven starters as well. The offense may start finding their stride down the stretch, but that still won't be enough to win.

The Saints will again provide a tough challenge. Probably the best football I saw all of last year was between the Falcons and Saints. However, last year we saw the second matchup become a battle of defense. Both teams had their opponent's gameplan nailed down. I think we could be in for a similar game this season. The Falcons will turn back to basics and run the ball with authority, Brent Grimes will pick off a shovel pass, and Jon Gruden will praise Drew Brees shamelessly. All in all, I think the Falcons scrape by in another close one.

The most important of these matchups in my humble opinion, however, is the Buccaneers. In the final week of the season, two teams very likely in playoff contention will do battle in the Georgia Dome. Even though the Falcons took two from the Bucs last season, both wins were by less than a touchdown. Mobile QB's always seem to find success against Van Gorder, and the front seven should be better equipped to handle Turner this year. Raheem Morris' squad always plays hard, and this could be the most physiical game we see all year.

For more on the Falcons, check out The Falcoholic. For everything Saints, check out Canal Street Chronicles.
For everything Bucs, check out Bucs Nation. For everything Panthers, check out Cat Scratch Reader.