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NFC Playoff Scenarios: Mike Smith Prepares To Face Former Team Needing Win To Secure Falcons Playoff Spot

Atlanta Falcons head coach Mike Smith will prepare to face off against his former team, the Jacksonville Jaguars, on Thursday night needing a victory to help secure a playoff spot in the NFC.

NFL Playoff Picture 2011: Falcons Move To Fifth Seed, Would Play New York Giants

The combination of the Falcons' stunning comeback win at Carolina, coupled with the Tim Tebow led 13-10 Denver comeback against Chicago allowed Atlanta to climb one spot in the NFC Playoff picture, moving from the No. 6 seed to the No. 5 seed, where, barring a monumental collapse by the New Orleans Saints, the Falcons will stay if they win out the regular season. 

For three weeks Atlanta had been sitting at the No. 6 seed, where they would hypothetically play at the No. 3 seeded NFC South Champion Saints in the wild card round. By moving up to the No. 5 spot, Atlanta would now travel to the No. 4 seed NFC East Champion, which switched from Dallas to New York after the Giants' 37-34 win Sunday night. 

With three games remaining - a short-week turnaround hosting Jacksonville this Thursday night, at New Orleans on December 26 and hosting Tampa Bay on New Year's Day - the Falcons could finish 11-5 and not host a playoff game if New Orleans can't be caught. To win the division, the Falcons would need to win out (beating the Saints) and have New Orleans drop their season finale to Carolina January 1 to win a tiebreaker determined by division records.

For more on the Falcons, check out The Falcoholic. For everything NFL, visit SB Nation's NFL page. 

Falcons Vs. Panthers Highlights: Matt Ryan Steals The Show With Four TD Passes

NFL Scores, NFC South Standings: New Orleans Closing In On Division Title

The Atlanta Falcons remained in playoff contention with a 31-23 come from behind victory over the Carolina Panthers on Sunday.

Falcons Vs. Panthers Final Score: Falcons Comeback To Win 31-23, Keep Playoff Hopes Alive

If the Falcons showed us anything in their 31-23 win over the division-rival Panthers today, it was resiliency. Down 23-7 at the half, they pulled out all the stops on offense and absolutely clamped down on defense to drop 24 unanswered points on Carolina in the second half.

After Olindo Mare missed what was about a 36-yard field goal attempt, the Falcons got the ball back at their own 25-yard line with over five minutes left in the game, hoping to run out some clock and extend their lead. However, Julio Jones had other things in mind. On only the second play of the possession, Matt Ryan hooked up with Jones on a 75-yard catch and run that he took all the way to the end zone, extending the Falcons' lead to eight points.

After that the defense held up, stopping the Panthers on fourth down deep in Falcons territory, and then simply elected to pound away with Turner to kill clock and seal the 31-23 victory.

But what a transformation from the first half to the second! Ryan would finish the day having gone 22-for-38 with 320 yards passing and four touchdowns, but to be honest he and the entire offense looked absolutely atrocious for the first 30 minutes of play.

You have to give credit to the coaching staff for this victory: they took a Falcons team that entered half time with their tails between their legs and sent them out hungry for a W. Julio showed that amazing big-play potential of his. Turner was steady pounding the rock between the tackles.

Most of all, the defense really clamped down, forcing Cam Newton to make a couple of costly mistakes and generally keeping him uncomfortable in the pocket all second half.

Perhaps most importantly for the Falcons, with this win they improve to 8-5 and keep their playoff hopes alive for another week.

For more on the Atlanta Falcons, check out The Falcoholic and for more on the Carolina Panthers go visit Cat Scratch Reader.

Falcons Vs. Panthers Update: Matt Ryan, Julio Jones Connect On TD As Falcons Take Lead 24-23

If the second quarter represented the very worst of what the Falcons had to offer, the third quarter symbolized perhaps the best they have to offer. A revitalized offense, two Cam Newton interceptions and 10 unanswered points suddenly have the Falcons alive and well in this one.

On defense, the coverage has tightened up, and Newton has begun showing his inexperience at times. On only their second possession of the quarter, Mike Peterson- who had an interception negated by penalty last week- picked off Newton on an attempted shovel-screen pass to Jonathan Stewart.

The ensuing possession by the Falcons was short, but sweet. Two plays, capped off by a 31-yard touchdown pass to Jacquizz Rodgers of all people. Rodgers ran a wheel route and beat out James Anderson, who was in man coverage on the play. Matt Ryan lofted an absolutely beautiful pass after struggling with the deep ball all season. The defense would follow the score up with another inspired stand against Newton and the Panthers' run game.

Then, as the game progressed from the third to the fourth quarter, Ryan led the offense on a 10-play, 90-yard scoring drive that was capped off by a 17-yard pass to Julio Jones for a touchdown. Michael Turner finally started returning to form, eating up some tough yards on runs up the middle, and Tony Gonzalez was as consistent and clutch as ever.

All in all, the Falcons have managed to come all the way back from being down 23-7 at the half, dropping 17 unanswered points on a Panthers team that looks a little stunned to stay the least. Stay tuned.

For more on the Atlanta Falcons, check out The Falcoholic and for more on the Carolina Panthers go visit Cat Scratch Reader.

Falcons Vs. Panthers Halftime Score: Falcons Implode, Trail 23-7 At The Half

The Falcons entered the second quarter tied at 7-7 with the Panthers, but they enter the locker room now trailing 23-7 at halftime. Where to begin?

The catalyst that broke this game wide open for the Panthers was none other than much-maligned former first rounder Sam Baker. On third and six inside their own 10, Baker was easily beaten by his man Antwan Applewhite, who then sacked Matt Ryan in the end zone for a safety.

Then on the second play of the ensuing possession, DeAngelo Williams got the pitch and took it 74 yards to the house (untouched, I might add). That score would put Carolina up 16-7.

After forcing the Falcons to go three-and-out, Cam Newton would then find Greg Olsen on a screen pass on third and fourteen. Olsen would catch that pass and take 44 yards down the field for another score, extending the Panthers' lead to 23-7 and blowing this football game wide open.

Both Sam Baker and Joe Hawley, who each spent time at right guard, struggled mightily. In fact, the entire offensive line seemed to experience a major regression and completely failed to give Ryan any sort of time in the pocket. For the Falcons, they may be watching the sun set on their playoff hopes this afternoon, and barring some strong second-half adjustments or a big-time comeback by the offense, this one looks to be in the hands of Carolina.

For more on the Atlanta Falcons, check out The Falcoholic and for more on the Carolina Panthers go visit Cat Scratch Reader.

Falcons Vs. Panthers Update: Matt Ryan Finds Roddy White, Cam Newton Answers

After an the opening drive of the game yielded nothing for the Falcons offense (partially ended due to offensive PI called on Roddy White), the second go-around gave birth to an impressive 10-play, 62-yard scoring drive.

After converting on two big third-downs, the drive was capped off by Matt Ryan finding his favorite receiver White in the back of the end zone for the five-yard score, one of White's four catches on the drive. Tony Gonzalez also had a nice 18-yard reception.

On defense, the Falcons were just as dominant, causing the Panthers to go three-and-out on their first possession of the ball game. Ray Edwards would come up with a huge sack on second down, good for an 11-yard loss, that would force Cam Newton to pass in a third-and-long situation (not Cam's strong-suit).

However, as the quarter drew to a close Newton answered with a scoring drive of his own, mostly through the air. In fact, he would complete all five of his passes for 61 yards and ultimately find Jeremy Shockey in the back of the end zone for the score.

Considering the Falcons currently have two defensive starters listed as inactive (Brent Grimes and Stephen Nicholas), containing Newton will be essential to stopping the Panthers in a ball game that now sits tied at 7-7 through one quarter of play.

For more on the Atlanta Falcons, check out The Falcoholic and for more on the Carolina Panthers go visit Cat Scratch Reader.

Falcons Vs. Panthers Injury Report And Inactive List, Week 14

Atlanta Falcons defensive back Brent Grimes will miss his second straight game after having knee surgery last week. Dominique Franks or Christopher Owens will try and fill the void left by Grimes injury. Linebacker Stephen Nicholas and defensive back Kelvin Hayden are also inactive for Atlanta. 

Here is a look at the full Atlanta Falcons inactive list:

• quarterback John Parker Wilson
• cornerback Brent Grimes
• cornerback Kelvin Hayden
• linebacker Stephen Nicholas
• center Brett Romberg
• guard/tackle Kirk Chambers
• defensive end Cliff Matthews.

For more on the Atlanta Falcons, check out The Falcoholic and for more on theCarolina Panthers go visit Cat Scratch Reader.

Roddy White Week 14 Fantasy Projections

NumberFire.com projects Roddy White as a top five option at wide receiver for his match up in Week 14 against the Carolina Panthers. White is behind only Charles Johnson, Wes Welker, Greg Jennings and Victor Cruz in this week's projections. 

Two of White's three 100 plus yard efforts have come in the Falcon's last three games. White caught four passes for 51 yards in Atlanta's 17-10 Week 13 loss to the Texans but did score a touchdown. On the season, White has 68 receptions for 881 yards and five touchdowns.

White has more career receptions against Carolina than any other NFL team. In 13 career games, What has 62 receptions for 756 yards and four touchdowns against the Panthers. 

For more on the Atlanta Falcons go check out The Falcoholic and for more fantasy football news head over to Fake Teams and SB Nation's fantasy football hub.

Michael Turner Week 14 Fantasy Projections

Despite being limited in Friday's practice, Falcons running back Michael Turner is listed as probable for Sunday's game against Carolina. Historically Turner has been good against the Panthers averaging over 100 yards per game while scoring 11 career touchdowns. 

NumberFire.com projects Turner as a top-10 option at the running back position for Week 14. Overall Turner comes in at No. 25. 

Turner has only rushed for more than 100 yards in two of his last five games and has only found the end zone twice. He has been held without a touchdown in each of the Falcons' last two games. On the season, Turner has five 100 yard rushing efforts and has eight touchdowns. He may have struggled recently but his career numbers against the Panthers suggest that he could be a solid start in Week 14. 

For more on the Atlanta Falcons go check out The Falcoholic and for more fantasy football news head over to Fake Teams and SB Nation's fantasy football hub.

Matt Ryan Week 14 Fantasy Projection

According to numberFire.com, Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan is a top 15 fantasy option for Week 14. Ryan is projected as the No. 11 quarterback option and No. 15 overall but could surpass that thanks to Carolina's defensive struggles. 

Ryan has thrown at least one touchdown in all but one game this season and has thrown 10 touchdowns and three interceptions in his last five games. He has thrown for at least 262 yards in each of his last five games and has topped 300 yards twice. Ryan is coming off one of his worst games of the season in Atlanta's Week 13 loss to the Texans where he completed just 20 of 47 passes against the Houston defense. 

In his career against Carolina, Ryan has completed 61 percent of his passes and thrown for eight touchdowns and four interceptions. 

For more on the Atlanta Falcons go check out The Falcoholic and for more fantasy football news head over to Fake Teams and SB Nation's fantasy football hub.

NFL Picks, Week 14: Falcons-Panthers, Bears-Broncos, Giants-Cowboys And More

It's the last month of the season, and all becomes clear: your team's postseason chances, your fantasy squad's possible run at a championship, and how much you're going to have to wager to end this year in the black. Week 14 lines are here!

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

Four Changes The Atlanta Falcons And Mike Mularkey Need To Make On Offense

Week 14 NFL Lines And Odds: Falcons Vs. Panthers

Panthers Injury Report, Week 14: Carolina Limited At Linebacker Vs. Falcons

The Carolina Panthers could throw a wrench into the Atlanta Falcons' playoff plans with an upset in Week 14. The Panthers will have a fairly healthy roster available for that upset bid.

The Panthers will miss linebackers Jason Phillips and Kion Wilson, both out for the game, but have just one other player who is even questionable for the game, tackle Jordan Gross. A number of other offensive players, including wide receiver Steve Smith and tight ends Jeremy Shockey and Greg Olsen, are probable.

Here's the rest of the Panthers injury report for Week 14:

OUT: LB Jason Phillips (calf), LB Kion Wilson (calf)

DOUBTFUL: none.

QUESTIONABLE:  T Jordan Gross (ankle).

PROBABLE: CB Chris Gamble (not injury-related), TE Greg Olsen (knee), WR Kealoha Pilares (thigh), TE Jeremy Shockey (not injury-related), WR Steve Smith (not injury-related), G Travelle Wharton (back), S Charles Godfrey (shoulder).

For more on the Falcons, head to The Falcoholic; for more on the Panthers, visit Cat Scratch Reader.

Falcons Injury Report, Week 14: Brent Grimes Out, Everyone Probable Vs. Panthers

The Atlanta Falcons are looking for a get-right game against the Carolina Panthers in Week 14. With just cornerback Brent Grimes out, the Falcons could get a big win over their lowly NFC South rivals.

Wide receivers Roddy White, Julio Jones and Harry Douglas are all listed as probable for the Falcons' date with Carolina, and the Falcons have struggled on offense in recent weeks, but the Panthers' pliant secondary might rectify that issue.

Here's the rest of the Falcons injury report for Week 14:

OUT: CB Brent Grimes (knee).

DOUBTFUL: CB Kelvin Hayden (toe), LB Stephen Nicholas (quadricep).

QUESTIONABLE: T Will Svitek (groin).

PROBABLE: DE John Abraham (not injury-related), DE Ray Edwards (shoulder), TE Tony Gonzalez (not injury-related), C Joe Hawley (ankle), C Todd McClure (not injury-related), DT Vance Walker (groin), WR Roddy White (shoulder), T Sam Baker (back), WR Harry Douglas (groin), WR Julio Jones (ankle), CB Christopher Owens (hand), RB Michael Turner (groin).

For more on the Falcons, head to The Falcoholic; for more on the Panthers, visit Cat Scratch Reader.

Falcons Fantasy Football Start 'Em/Sit 'Em, Week 14: Revival For Atlanta's Offense?

Carolina Panthers Injury Report, Week 14: Charles Godfrey, Greg Olsen Miss Practice Wednesday

Fact: Michael Turner has destroyed the Carolina Panthers running proverbial wind sprints up and down the field.

Since joining the Atlanta Falcons as unrestricted free agent in 2008, "The Burner" has run for 651 yards and scored 11 touchdowns in six contests.

Now with Carolina being without the services of Sione Fua and Terrell McClain for the rest of the season on Tuesday, and emerging safety Charles Godfrey missing practice, its safety to say that the Panthers won't be fighting the good fight with all the ammo in the clip.

For Cam Newton and the offense, tight end Greg Olsen didn't practice to rest his injured knee.

Here is the full injury report on Wednesday for the Carolina Panthers as they prepare for the Atlanta Falcons:

For the most up-to-the-minute information on the Falcons injury situations, check out The Falcoholic. For more on the Carolina Panthers, check out SB Nation blog Cat Scratch Reader.

Atlanta Falcons Injury Report, Week 14: Every Offensive Star Except Matt Ryan Is Hurt

Prominent offensive names on the Wednesday injury report for the Atlanta Falcons:

Stud tailback Michael Turner....check.

All-Pro wide receiver Roddy White....check.

Rookie phenom wideout Julio Jones....check.

Future Hall-of-Fame tight end Tony Gonzalez....check.

Such is life for the Falcons, who at 7-5, are trying to use the final four games of the regular season to secure a playoff spot in the NFC. While only Turner was held out of practice Wednesday with groin issues, the Falcons will need all of their stars on deck to be sure they can dance when the playoffs begin.

Here is the full playoff report for the Falcons on Wednesday, as they prepare to face the Carolina Panthers:

For the most up-to-the-minute information on the Falcons injury situations, check out The Falcoholic.

Atlanta Falcons Injury Report: Three Starters Miss Practice Wednesday

The Atlanta Falcons have a relatively clean bill of health this late in the season, with three starters missing practice Wednesday before the team's huge divisional game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday:

Atlanta_Falcons Atlanta_Falcons 

Hayden, Nicholas, Grimes, Svitek and Turner did not practice today due to injury. #atlcar11

17 minutes ago Favorite Retweet Reply

Pro Bowl RB Michael Turner is being held out for precautionary reasons due to a groin injury, as the workhorse RB has yet to miss a game this season, already racking up 223 carries this year.

T Michael Svitek has been filling in for Sam Baker for the last month and has not had to miss a game yet this season.

The prognosis is not as good for CB Brent Grimes (knee) CB Kelvin Hayden (toe) and LB Stephen Nicholas (quad), all of whom missed last week's game against the Houston Texans with injuries. 

For the most up-to-the-minute information on the Falcons injury situations, check out The Falcoholic.

Falcons Vs. Panthers Odds: Atlanta A Slight Road Favorite

After a tough 17-10 loss to the Houston Texans last week, the Atlanta Falcons desperately need a win at Carolina this weekend to stay in the NFC playoff picture.

But if the odds makers are correct, it won't be easy, as Atlanta is favored by only -2.5 points against a 4-8 Panthers squad.

The Falcons 3rd-rated rush defense will be tested by a versatile Carolina rushing attack that features three different players -- QB Cam Newton, RB Jonathan Stewart and RB DeAngelo Williams -- with over 500 yards rushing on at least 4.8 yards per carry.

In Atlanta's 31-17 victory over the Panthers earlier in the season, their defense baited Newton into throwing three interceptions. The explosive rookie QB has thrown for 3,297 yards this season, but like most rookie QB's, his decision-making process is still a little suspect, and he's thrown one more INT (14) than TD (13) this season.

Falcons RB Michael Turner, meanwhile, had a huge game against Carolina's 27th-rated rush defense, racking up 139 yards and 2 TD's on 4.7 yards per carry.

QB Matt Ryan didn't have to do much, completing 14/22 passes for 163 yards and 1 TD.

With two explosive offenses going head-to-head, the over/under for Sunday's game is 48.5

Falcons Fantasy Football Projections, Week 14: Matt Ryan, Michael Turner Look To Bounce Back From Rough Weeks

NFL Power Rankings: Atlanta Falcons Sit At No. 16 According To SB Nation

The Falcons dropped their game in Houston by a score of 17-10 and fall to 7-5 on the season.

Falcons Playoff Picture: So Uh, Yeah, Wildcard It Is

NFL Playoff Picture: Atlanta Clinging To Final Wildcard Spot

The Atlanta Falcons find themselves in the NFC's final wildcard spot with just four games remaining in the regular season.

NFL Scores, NFC South Standings: Falcons Stumble As Saints March Towards Division Title

The New Orleans Saints extend their lead in the NFC South to two games over the Atlanta Falcons.