At 8-8, the only way the Falcons can clinch the division is by defeating the Carolina Panthers and hoping the Tampa Bay Buccaneers lose to the New Orleans Saints.

Everything that could go well for the Falcons in Week 16 did. Not only did new starting QB Michael Penix Jr. help lead Atlanta to a dominant win over the lowly Giants, but a Buccaneers loss in Dallas moved the Falcons back on top of the NFC South.

How Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Atlanta Falcons, Denver Broncos, Miami Dolphins, Cincinnati Bengals can clinch final berth in NFL postseason this week.

Washington’s thrilling overtime win over Atlanta locked up a playoff spot for the Commanders. Despite the loss, the Falcons are still alive in the NFC South title race. However, they no longer control their own destiny.

The Atlanta Falcons caught a major break in the form of a Tampa Bay Buccaneers loss on Sunday night football. That loss propelled the Falcons to first place in the NFC South due to holding the tiebreaker over the Bucs.

The Falcons recently made a change at quarterback, but their playoff hopes are still very much alive after beating the Giants.

It’s do-or-die for the Atlanta Falcons in Week 18—and they don’t even have the final say in whether they survive or not. The Falcons (8-8) had a chance to control their own destiny but squandered it with a road loss to the Washington Commanders.

The Carolina Panthers have just one more game left on the schedule. The Atlanta Falcons need a win and more to ensure they don't fall into the same boat. This is a key matchup for Atlanta, but it's not for Carolina.