UPDATE: A Green Bay win puts Falcons in the playoffs

Falcons cheerleader Brandy.

Falcons cheerleader Brandy.

UPDATE: With losses by Arizona and Dallas, the Falcons need Green Bay to defeat the Chicago Bears Sunday night to clinch a playoff berth.

FLOWERY BRANCH – Here the two trifectas that could lead to the Falcons clinching a playoff berth before their NFC South showdown with the Saints on Monday night.

1. Dallas loss or tie plus a Chicago loss or tie plus an Arizona loss or tie OR 

2. New York Giants loss or tie plus Chicago loss or tie plus an Arizona loss or tie.

 Here’s are the matchups:

   New York Giants (7-7) at New York Jets (8-6) at 1 p.m. today.  

   Arizona (7-7) at Cincinnati (8-6) at 1 p.m. today.

   Philadelphia (6-8) at Dallas (8-6) at 4:15 p.m. today.

    Chicago (7-7) at Green Bay (13-1) at 8:20 Sunday.

HERE ARE THE PLAYOFF SCENARIOS FOR WEEK 16.

NFC

CLINCHED: Green Bay – NFC North and first-round bye

                      San Francisco – NFC West

                      New Orleans – playoff spot

ATLANTA FALCONS

Atlanta clinches a playoff spot with:

1)    ATL win or tie OR

2)    DAL loss or tie + CHI loss or tie + ARI loss or tie OR

3)    NYG loss or tie + CHI loss or tie + ARI loss or tie

GREEN BAY PACKERS

Green Bay clinches home-field advantage throughout NFC playoffs with:

1)    GB win or tie OR

2)    SF loss or tie

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

San Francisco clinches a first-round bye with:

1)    SF win + NO loss

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

New Orleans clinches NFC South division with:

1)    NO win or tie

DALLAS COWBOYS

Dallas clinches NFC East division with:

1)    DAL win + NYG loss or tie OR

2)    DAL tie + NYG loss

DETROIT LIONS

Detroit clinches a playoff spot with:

1)    DET win or tie OR

2)    CHI loss or tie + ARI loss or tie + SEA loss or tie + DAL loss or tie OR

3)    CHI loss or tie + ARI loss or tie + SEA loss or tie + NYG loss or tie OR

4)    CHI loss or tie + ARI loss or tie + SEA loss or tie + ATL win or tie.

AFC

CLINCHED: Houston – AFC South

                      New England – AFC East

                      Baltimore – playoff spot

                      Pittsburgh – playoff spot           

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

New England clinches a first-round bye with:

1)    NE win + HOU loss or tie OR

2)    NE win + PIT loss or tie + BAL loss or tie OR

3)    NE tie + HOU loss OR

4)    NE tie + PIT loss + BAL loss

New England clinches home-field advantage throughout AFC playoffs with:

1)    NE win + HOU loss or tie + PIT loss or tie + BAL loss or tie

BALTIMORE RAVENS

Baltimore clinches AFC North division with:

1)    BAL win + PIT loss

Baltimore clinches a first-round bye with:

1)    BAL win + PIT loss + HOU loss

DENVER BRONCOS

Denver clinches AFC West division with:

1)    DEN win + OAK loss or tie OR

2)    DEN tie + OAK loss + SD loss or tie

Denver clinches a playoff spot with:

1)    DEN win + NYJ loss + CIN loss + TEN loss or tie

–D. Orlando Ledbetter, The Atlanta Falcons beat blog

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66 comments Add your comment

Michael M.

December 24th, 2011
1:05 pm

Go Brandy…….she gets 1st this week D-led …………….

JMar

December 24th, 2011
1:27 pm

I actually picked Dallas, NYG, Chicago, and Arizona to all lose today.

Marcus

December 24th, 2011
1:36 pm

stunning amount of info … it may be easier just to watch the games. LOL.

I do NOT want the Eagles in the playoffs. Dislike them, but they are dangerous.

Ben

December 24th, 2011
1:38 pm

Looks like we’ll get that to happen. I expect the Giants to lose to the Jets today, the Cardinals lose to the Bengals, and the Bears will fall to the Packers in Lambeau. Falcons will have their spot clinched before Monday Night. But I still wanna beat them Aints.

Noneya

December 24th, 2011
2:19 pm

I think we will. Go Falcons! Days In The Lives Of Falcons Fans!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-QKLJ4wY_yQ

SeenThisB4

December 24th, 2011
2:41 pm

G E A U X. S A I N T S ! ! !

Michael M.

December 24th, 2011
2:44 pm

Enough of the Nonsense, Atlanta Players do their jobs and its a done deal boys !

hiramsaint

December 24th, 2011
4:37 pm

better find some way to get one ’cause you ain’t gettin’ nuttin’ but a butt stompin’ on mnf ! saints by 17 on mnf ! GEAUX SAINTS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

CaliDirtyBird

December 24th, 2011
8:14 pm

I go to church every week. But the Devil and I do have one thing in common: We both hate the Saints!!!!

Rise up Falcons and give the Saints a body slam on the late model (circa 1970s) Mercedes-Benz AstroTurf!

Michael M.

December 24th, 2011
10:02 pm

Packers run all over da Bears tomorrow night boys, you know da Bears “Aint” beating the Green Bay Packers……………………………Falcons already have secured a playoff berth and they just resting up for Christmas morning and a big trip to the ” Big Easy” for the Win they will get on MNF.

Smoke on that for awhile as Santa comes to visit !

patrick

December 24th, 2011
11:04 pm

Falcons will WIN mondaynight the team had a nice rest and ready to go to work monday falcons by 7……………………………………………………………………………………….. LET RISE UP ATLANTA ITS ARE TIME..

patrick

December 24th, 2011
11:09 pm

WHO GOING TO BEAT THEM SAINTS??????????????? THEM FALCONS BABY WHO GOING TO ROCK THAT DOME THEM FALCONS BABY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! MERRY CHRISTMAS

hiramsaint

December 24th, 2011
11:35 pm

frailclowns lose by 17 on mnf!

Tell it like it is.

December 25th, 2011
12:16 am

If the packers beat bears sundaynight,the falcons are in the playoffs!

JohnnyJ

December 25th, 2011
12:35 am

Brandy, was such a fine lass

AlanFalcon

December 25th, 2011
7:26 am

NEWS FLASH- Michael M. beats hiramsaint !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Merry Xmas Ghetto Dweller FAILCANTS

December 25th, 2011
7:57 am

How are you doing this morning, failures? Ready for the beat down tomorrow night? Santa bring you a Saints SB video this year since you can’t produce one of your own?? Pls stay in the hood or the trailer parks…we don’t want you in our city Monday night, loosahs…

SAINTS > Falclowns…Fact…

Redneck and ghetto dwellers from Dekalb…stay classy…

bentavius

December 25th, 2011
9:03 am

good info. thanks orlando and merry christmas! i feel dirty saying this but go green bay

hiramsaint

December 25th, 2011
9:56 am

sad state of affairs when your playoff hopes rest with another team and not your own. that ought to let y’all know how far you’re going . 0-3 with matty melt and smitty the heartache kid

Ben

December 25th, 2011
10:00 am

Hiramsaint, all we had to do was beat you guys or the Bucs and we were in. Not really relying on teams, just nice to clinch it before we even play.

Ben

December 25th, 2011
10:01 am

Now it’s all about positioning. IMO we’ll get the 3rd seed and win this division. We’re going to beat the Saints tomorrow night, (they’re due a bad game), and the way Carolina is looking, don’t sleep on them to beat the Saints either. It can happen. Stranger things have.

Ben

December 25th, 2011
10:06 am

Looks like we could be facing the Saints in the first round, and as much as people will say the Falcons don’t want that to happen, I honestly think the Saints would be just as nervous as the Falcons because these games are down to the wire, and could go either way LITERALLY. Like if Roddy catches that pass with 23 seconds, Falcons win, Matt Bryant makes that kick earlier in the game, Falcons win, see? Saints don’t wanna see the Falcons in the playoffs.

They better hope they get the Lions. A team with no playoff experience. The Falcons have been 3 of the last 4 seasons, and they’re 0-2. They don’t wanna fall 0-3. Saints better watch out.

Ben

December 25th, 2011
10:14 am

All I gotta say, it’s hard to beat a team 2 times, let alone 3.

I don’t think the Saints wanna see the Falcons across the field in the playoffs.

SeenThisB4

December 25th, 2011
11:13 am

I know the f a l c a n’t s are equally as worried, if not more, of facing a team they rarely can beat, and on the road in a hostile environment. G E A U X S A I N T S !!!

5150 UOAD

December 25th, 2011
11:31 am

HiRam Taint how am I going to get my money from you?
Well, the presents are open and the Mess is cleaned. Meat is still smoking. Time for eggs and biscuits. Dinner at 4 pm. The rest of the family due to arrive at 2. So far Christmas has gone well. It will be crazy when all the kids arrive.
Hope y’all are with your loved ones safe and happy. Merry Christmas.

5150 UOAD

December 25th, 2011
11:37 am

Where are all the Dawg MV Killer 7 fans? Are they crying in their EggNog?

5150 UOAD

December 25th, 2011
11:45 am

Thank Jesus the NBA is playing today. I don’t know how I survived without it until today. LMAO.
No
Body
Actually cares.

Big Al

December 25th, 2011
12:11 pm

Good luck Falcons. You have always played inspired football in the playoffs. Coming off your loss in New Orleans Monday night, you will be fully prepared for playoff football. LMAO!!!

Brees's Mole

December 25th, 2011
12:12 pm

Falcons beat the Aints… then beat the Bucs next week. THEN, Cam will beat the Aints, giving the Falcons the first round bye! BWAHAHAHAHAHA…

Saints are a JOKE!

hiramsaint

December 25th, 2011
12:38 pm

5150 how about your old lady gets a freebie instead of her usual payment to me . and what about when we win ? i know -you’ll be long gone like ken strickland and all the others who claim to be “life long failclown fans ” y’all have a 6 month lifespan then with such a pitiful team , you find another interest.

5150 UOAD

December 25th, 2011
12:48 pm

HiRam Taint. you are the one running your mouth about 17 points. You took the $100 bet. I will not lose. I am here all the time you have never seen me run and hide.
Cute with the sexual reference but you know that is acting like you are a 13 yr. old.
You Talk Big but you know you don’t have to GUTS to back up your bet.

5150 UOAD

December 25th, 2011
12:49 pm

why would you make a bet if you don’t have the guts to pay when you lose? keep your money and move back to the NoLa Toilet.

5150 UOAD

December 25th, 2011
12:50 pm

HiRam Taint why are you not here posting your crap?
http://www.nola.com/saints/index.html

Falcons_own_nfc_south

December 25th, 2011
2:30 pm

It’s X-mas and I need to drink a lots of Brandy…

Michael M.

December 25th, 2011
2:51 pm

I’m starting to realize who we are playing tomorrow night, and I am not feeling good about our chances. The ain’ts are just too much for us. They are more discipline, they are healthier, they hit harder, and play smarter. And I know that Payton isn’t going to make a stupid decision like going for it on 4th and a foot, ON OUR OWN 29! Anyway, to the ain’ts fan, please forgive me for being such a toad to you all season long….you all are better than me. Good luck, hopefully both teams stay healthy for the playoffs.

Later taters!

5150 UOAD

December 25th, 2011
4:47 pm

HiRam Taint so you are afraid to post your email? Is it because you are scared for people to know who you really are or you can’t then be s cyber bad boy? Your just a Chicken. yes I have posted my email address on here before.

FAILCANTS can't contol their own destiny..pathetic

December 25th, 2011
5:36 pm

This is not a rivalry between the Saints and he Falclowns. In rivalries, you win one then generally lose one. That is not the case. We have won the last 9 of 11 – we OWN you. We are the top dogs in the division. We have the championship hardware and are in the midst of making a serious run at another Lombardi Trophy. The Falclowns are just a speed bump and we have bigger fish to fry. They are not in our league…FACT! You have NO RING and NEVER WILL…Sad, huh?

Sorry, but the Falclowns will always be pretenders…they are not elite and will always be chasing the Saints….

Michael M.

December 25th, 2011
6:04 pm

I see the fool has played with my name………….its okay dork head because all know I am Falcons and would never betray my Pro Football Team in Atlanta .

Michael M.

December 25th, 2011
6:07 pm

As far as playoffs go hell I don’t care who Atlanta has to play, bring em on ! Rather play the best head-on and go at it for 60 minutes than the hide and seek crap.

Michael M.

December 25th, 2011
6:22 pm

Thing is hiram….the ones that did seek you sure wouldn’t look like Brandy up there……………..they be more in line with a lazy couch potato, soap – opera watching, tater chip eating monster with curlers in the hair type.

5150 UOAD

December 25th, 2011
6:32 pm

HiRam Taint you are just full of excuses and fantasies. You can find it. It has been on this blog a few times. I doubt any Lady would be much interested in ANYthing you have. Your $120K, built on slab, on a 1/4 acre lot, with the Dodge Power Wagon in the driveway on blocks. I bet the ladies just come running.

Christmas with tha DUKE

December 25th, 2011
6:36 pm

5150, is a ladies man!

48

5150 UOAD

December 25th, 2011
6:42 pm

48 has been watching AMC all day today I guess. Howdy partner!

Christmas with tha DUKE

December 25th, 2011
6:44 pm

That’s right, pilgrim.

5150 UOAD

December 25th, 2011
6:50 pm

Call me when “The Green Berets” is on. Still have some Kitchen cleaning to do before the bears v packers game.

Christmas with tha DUKE

December 25th, 2011
6:54 pm

They are not going to play it today, you will have to watch ” green bay “instead of the “Green Berets”

5150 UOAD

December 25th, 2011
6:57 pm

Just Westerns I see. I checked the listings.

Christmas with tha DUKE

December 25th, 2011
7:13 pm

They are not playing my favorites but I liked a few of them.

D. Orlando Ledbetter

December 25th, 2011
7:22 pm

bentavius — Thank you! Seems kind of creepy, right?

Not a Falcon fan

December 25th, 2011
8:06 pm

Falcons will back into the playoffs. They will not outright earn it. Does it really matter? It will be one and done !!!!!!!! Same old Falcons, LOSERS !!!!!!!!!

12 men in the huddle

December 25th, 2011
8:11 pm

…..well, if the Bears losing tonight puts the Falcons in the playoffs, without a chance of improving our playoff position, then I’d seriously be thinking about pulling some of my key guys/starters OUT of the game Monday and even resting most of them next week, in preperation for the playoffs the following week, don’t ya think??? Frankly, I’d just as soon stay in whatever spot allows us to play either the Cowboys or the Giants, since both of those teams are seriously flawed. Heck, we could go out to San Francisco and beat the 49ers for that matter in the first round! They are seriously flawed as well!

Christmas with tha DUKE

December 25th, 2011
9:04 pm

5150

How dirty was that kitchen?
You have been gone a while.

Christmas with tha DUKE

December 25th, 2011
9:25 pm

NFL rivalries do not compare to college football rivalries.

Heath

December 25th, 2011
10:19 pm

It’s amazing how well Rodgers is playing tonight with NBC announcers riding his jock up and down the field.

P B Orr

December 25th, 2011
10:48 pm

Well looks like we’re in. I almost prefer the wild card

1) Don’t want to play Stafford and Johnson, even at home
2) Don’t want to go to San Francisco after that – muddy, slow field cancels our skilled position advantage.

On the other hand, wild card #5 means

1) Go to Dallas or NY, both are soft and error-prone and have anal, irritating fans – I like our chances against both
2) Go to Green Bay after that – I want payback, and the cold hard turf would be as good for us as for them. They are weak in the secondary and ready to be exploited.

SO – I prefer the wild card route – but of course hope to win the division.

D man

December 25th, 2011
10:48 pm

35 – 10 late. Congratulations Falcons. 3 out of the last 4 years in the playoffs for the Falcons is a dynasty. Now let’s start winning in these games… :)

P B Orr

December 25th, 2011
10:56 pm

The cheerleader above, Brandy, got selected for the Cheerleader Pro Bowl. Good day for birds!

P B Orr

December 25th, 2011
11:00 pm

Now what would be really interesting is if the wild card teams, say Atlanta and Detroit, somehow clear out their seeds – so Detroit bears New Orleans and we beat the Giants, then Detroit beats Green Bay and we beat San Francisco, so finally we play Detroit a home game for the championship. That would be crazy. Stafford and Johnson homecoming, and we’d have to assume they were on fire to get to the championship game. We’d also have to assume the Falcons D was playing with passion. So it would be Falcons D vs. Top Dawg and Techatron.

Noneya

December 25th, 2011
11:01 pm

P B Orr

December 25th, 2011
11:09 pm

Noneya – pretty funny :)

Mwilk

December 25th, 2011
11:29 pm

Atlanta is going to the playoffs! Let’s take these last two and take the fifth seed, or possibly the division!

KQuark

December 25th, 2011
11:31 pm

Thanks Green Bay. Now the Falcons can go into the Saints game nice and loose.

P B Orr

December 25th, 2011
11:38 pm

We need one win for the 5th seed.

Eric C.

December 25th, 2011
11:41 pm

Congrats to the Falcons…first time back-to-back playoff seasons!

Happy falcon

December 25th, 2011
11:42 pm

Playoffs here we come!!!

Michael M.

December 25th, 2011
11:47 pm

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