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.