Week 11 NFL Power Rankings: Falcons Remain Stuck In Middle Of The Pack

If the 5-4 Atlanta Falcons miss the NFC playoffs by one game, few will ever forget Mike Smith's 4rth-and-1 call. But with mediocrity rampant throughout the NFL, the Falcons still have a chance to redeem their coach's faith in them.

They are No. 15 in SBNation's latest NFL Power Rankings, but their schedule is about to turn:

15. Atlanta Falcons (5-4, LW: 14): Tough loss to the Saints in overtime but they've won three of their last four. With home games coming up against the Titans and Vikings, they should make it five of six.

The loss to the Saints not only cost them their best chance at making a run at an NFC South divisional title, but it dropped them out of the NFC wild-card picture, as they are tied with the 5-4 Dallas Cowboys one game behind the 6-3 Chicago Bears and Detroit Lions.

However, if the Falcons can regain last-season's consistency, their next five games are a golden opportunity to make up ground. They play at Tennessee, Minnesota, at a Houston team without their starting QB, at Carolina and at home against Jacksonville.

For the latest news and notes on Atlanta, check out The Falcoholic.