PLAYOFF BUZZ: If the playoffs started today . . .

By MICHAEL CUNNINGHAM

NFC top contenders

The Falcons (13-2) have clinched a first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs. Atlanta would open the playoffs on Jan. 12 or 13 against the lowest-seeded team to advance from the NFC wild card round.

The Packers (11-4) have clinched the NFC North title and will be the NFC’s No. 2 seed with a first-round bye. Green Bay would open the playoffs on Jan. 12 or 13 with a home game against the highest-seeded winner from the NFC wild card round.

NFC wild card picture

The 49ers (10-4-1) have clinched a playoff spot and would play host to the sixth-seeded Vikings (9-6) on Jan. 5 or 6. The No. 5 Seahawks (10-5) have clinched a playoff spot and would play at the No. 4 Redskins (9-6) on Jan. 5 or 6.

The other teams with a realistic chance to still earn one of the final two wild cards are the Bears (9-6) and Cowboys (8-7). The Giants (8-7) also have an outside shot.

How Vegas views the Falcons

The Falcons are 9-to-4 co-favorites to win the NFC along with the Packers. Atlanta and Seattle are both 6-to-1 to win the Super Bowl behind Denver (3-to-1), New England (7-to-2) and San Francisco (5-to-1).

Quote of the day

“If Atlanta can improve their run defense — allow around 100 yards a game — they will be New Orleans-bound.” — NFL Network analyst Sterling Sharpe.

Falcons playoffs tickets

Tickets go on sale to the general public beginning Thursday at 10 a.m. Tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster.com at all Ticketmaster locations, or by calling Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000. Tickets start at $65 and there is an eight-ticket limit per person.

AFC top contenders

The Texans (12-3) have clinched the AFC South title and would be the No. 1 seed with a first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs. Houston would open the playoffs on Jan. 12 or 13 against the lowest-seeded winner to advance from the AFC wild card round.

The Broncos (12-3) have clinched the AFC West title and would be the No. 2 seed with a first-round bye. Denver would open the playoffs on Jan. 12 or 13 with a home game against the highest-seeded team to advance from the AFC wild card round.

AFC wild card picture

The Patriots (11-4) have clinched the AFC East title and would play host to the sixth-seeded Bengals (9-6) on Jan. 5 or 6. The Ravens (10-5) have clinched the AFC North title and would be the No. 4 seed with a home game against the fifth-seeded Colts (10-5) on Jan. 5 or 6.

All other AFC teams have been eliminated from the playoffs.