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.