Falcons to open playoffs at 1 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 13th

The Falcons, the No. 1 seed in the NFC, will host the lowest seed to advance at 1 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 13 at the Georgia Dome, according to the schedule released by the league tonight.

In the AFC wild card game, the Cincinnati Bengals play at Houston at 4:30 pm Saturday. In the NFC, the Vikings play at the Green Bay Packers at 8 p.m. Saturday. If the sixth-seeded Vikings can spring the upset, they would face the Falcons in the divisional round.

On Sunday, Indianapolis plays at Baltimore at 1 p.m. in the second AFC wild card game.

The final game of the weekend will feature the NFC East winner — Dallas or Washington — hosting Seattle at 4:30 pm.

The NFL also announced the times of the Divisional Round games. On Saturday, January 12th, the Denver Broncos will host the lowest remaining AFC seed at 4:30 p.m., while the San Francisco 49ers will play at 8 p.m. ET on the same day.

After the Falcons open the Sunday slate, the New England Patriots will finish off the weekend at 4:30 pm. on the same day.

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88 comments Add your comment

Falcon James

December 31st, 2012
9:27 am

I have no idea why Smitty thought it was best to play the starters yesterday, but then again he gets paid more money than I do to figure that stuff out. Glad the regular season is offer. As much as I don’t like Dunta, we need him back in two weeks. Abe has been a force this year and hopefully he can wrap some duct tape around that ankle and get back on the field. This is going to be a long two weeks. We have seen the Falcon at they best several times this year. I see no reason why they can’t bring home the trophy.

Jimmy Crack

December 31st, 2012
10:05 am

Historically the NFL gives the early game to the #1 seed vs the WC winner because the game is not supposed to be very competitive (#1 is supposed to roll). They always give the prime time games to the closer seeds.

Ours might be the closest game of the weekend.

TBALL

December 31st, 2012
10:12 am

I really don’t understand yesterdays lost, but they need to get it together before the first playoff game. I believe they will. I have faith in this team. RISE UP!!!!!!!

The Burner Turner

December 31st, 2012
10:22 am

Why you fans dogging me. I gave my best and if that aint good enough then what more can I do. I have given me a nickname or the playoffs. Thunder Thighs Turner. When the holes are open I can run through them like a Kenworth truck. I just need support from the fans. Is that too much to ask. I am doing push ups right now. I deserve to be back next yera. I am willing to sign a one year contract for say 5 million. Just got back from breakfast. I put down 2 porterhouse steaks medium, a dozen scrambies, a gallon of orange juice, half a slab of bacon, hash browns that my mama sent me, and topped it off with a cheeseburger. I feel good ! I am strong. Let that Minn team with AP come to Atlanta , I will keep him from running 200 yds. Oh I forgot I dont play defense. But I will run for my usual 50 yds at 2.7 yds a pop. My legs feel strong. Just give me the rock and get out of the way. No one replaces me. I watched that rookie Morris with Washington yesterday, he aint no runner. He was a sixth round draftee. I am the man in Atlanta. Cant wait for two weeks so I can show what I can really do. I am going to rumble. I am going to conquer. Falcons will go deep in playoffs. Hope we dont have to play Green Bay though. They are unstoppable in the passing game. Dunta is hurt. He dont play man too good. Its all right though. I will rumble ! Damn all this talk makes me hungry. I got a call into the cafeteria for lunch. I snuck up a large roast beef sandwhich and I got it in my fridge. Got a guy brining me 2 large meatball sandwhichs from Subway in a few minutes. I think we will end up playing Denver in the Super Bowl. Peyton is done. They cant ball with us. I gots to believe. Next game I will be the star. Give me the rock. I am going to rumble. Glad Matty Ice changes plays and gives me the ball, Coach dont trust me . I dont know why. I will make the pile move. I will churn some big legs. I will make them pay. Damn I am hungry. Well here comes my food. Dont give up on me haters. I am the best running back in the NFL . I am going to shoot gaps.
The Burner

ATL/UGA #1 fan

December 31st, 2012
10:35 am

I surely hope the Falcons know how much their FANS want them to win the Super Bowl, for us fans, PLEAAAASSSSEEEE! STAY FOCUSED AND SHARP AND TOUGH! FALCONS RISE UP, GO FALCONS! #55, HOPE YOU ARE OK TOO, DUNTA, MOORE, ATNIONE SMITH, QUIZZ, TUNER, ASAMUEL, SPOON, DENT, NICHOLAS, HOPE, DECOUD, BEERMAN, BABS,JERRY, O LINE, D LINE, SPECIAL TEAMS, CALLING YOU OUT, YALL HAVE THE CHANCE TO WIN THE SUPER BOWL….JUST DO IT!

Esquire

December 31st, 2012
10:35 am

Just Sayin
December 30th, 2012
11:03 pm

Choke Ryan and Choke Romo. Twins separated at birth.
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Hmmm, looks like one of them twins is going to the playoffs, the other one is going home.

Just sayin’

One and done...

December 31st, 2012
10:41 am

…just like the Braves – that Dumbmass Smith played his regulars and STILL LOST! AND, he got two key players injured along the way, with a third, Asante, probably banged up, too.

Typical of the Birds – real championship caliber teams, like Denver and New England, take care of business in a grand manner, but not the Falcons, no sir, we just stink the place up -

Heck, they are only 3-3 in their division – good thing they are not in the NCAA or they would not even be in the playoff since they did not win their division…

DJANGO

December 31st, 2012
10:48 am

So 3 losses to 3 teams with losing records and they are superbowl bound?
I wonder what the odds are in Vegas.

1 and Done

December 31st, 2012
10:51 am

Hey Matty Ice, it’s me destiny. You are a little early this year.

warfalcon

December 31st, 2012
11:05 am

OK men get some rest AND BE READY TO PLAY ON JANUARY 13,2013 @ 1:00 PM.WE CAN NOT HAVE “ANYMORE“ BAD GAMES.LETS GO FALCONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Starship 1

December 31st, 2012
11:39 am

Everyone is sayin that they wish the Falcons would be playing MN. I disagree. You watched AP against GB; the Falcons are the worst at stopping the run. I’d rather just play GB. If we get the Seahawks-look out. Just about anyone we face-look out. I finally watched the whole Falcons game highlights (I missed the first 2 quarters-and wondered to myself-why are the Falcons down 16-3? Looking at that first and second quarter-answered my questions. The Falcons are a fickle team. They don’t seem to be motivated when they know a game doesn’t count for anything. Maybe they (falsely) think that all will come alive in the playoffs because of one and done-but that’s a foolish way to think. Maybe they should play GB-for the revenge factor-like they did the Giants. I don’t like the 1pm game. I think the bye week will help.

Kay

December 31st, 2012
12:01 pm

This is no championship team. All 3 of our possible 1st 3 opponents are running teams and we can’t stop the run. All 3 have qb’s who also run and we can’t rush the passer anyway. If Abraham is out look for the d-line to get dominated with no double teams needed. I’ve also never seen a team have so many interior blitzes get picked up so easily. The secondary is better,but they take poor angles if runners get to the 2nd level. Tony G is running on fumes with turner. The guards are getting killed weekly, Konz isn’t ready to play. We can’t run for a yard and appear to have given up trying to run on 3rd downs. Ryan gets shook up too easily for them to block poorly. If his first read is covered he becomes very average. Outside of sideline lobes our deep passing game is nonexistent. Add in no special teams return threat and 1 and done is a real possibility.

Seems like the FAlcons internally think they can just out score teams, but the points don’t come so easy in the playoffs. Now Smitty seems to think the reason they were crushed by the packers was they didn’t practice hard enough..Ryan will need the best game of his career for us to win with him throwing 40+ times.

Eric C.

December 31st, 2012
12:36 pm

I’ve never felt so little optimism for a playoff game. Since Ryan, lots of optimism in 2008, 2010, 2011, but not this year. A loss is expected.

D

December 31st, 2012
1:11 pm

You’ll be okay, Eric.

D

December 31st, 2012
1:17 pm

So 3 losses to 3 teams with losing records and they are superbowl bound?
I wonder what the odds are in Vegas.

Interesting point Django. Compelled me to look up the results of yesterday’s Toilet Bowl to see who could manage a win. Alas, the lowly aints close out with yet another loss.

D

December 31st, 2012
1:18 pm

Uh Kay….we are 13-3.

Samuel

December 31st, 2012
1:59 pm

Win the first playoff game and all is well. Lose and Mike Smith job could be on the line. And Matt Ryan will be bunched in with Tony Romo….

Priceless

December 31st, 2012
2:34 pm

Just a preview of the Failcons first playoff game. Imagine whats gonna happen when a playoff caliber team comes in . Well , you don’t have to imagine =Just look at the last 3 playoff games

Priceless

December 31st, 2012
2:36 pm

Esquire- Looks like one of them twins has actually won a playoff game and it ain’t your boy !

Kennesaw Falcon

December 31st, 2012
2:43 pm

So who do the Falcons play if Green Bay beats the Vikings, which is the likely outcome of that game.? Half baked story here, Orlando. Give us all the possibilities, or don’t bother.

1 and Done

December 31st, 2012
3:17 pm

Samuel

Tony Romo actually has a playoff win.

D

December 31st, 2012
3:23 pm

No happiness for one hapless aint fan in hiram. Priceless.

DawgNole

December 31st, 2012
3:37 pm

Michael M.
December 31st, 2012
1:28 am

never mind the Defending Super Bowl Champs the Falcons demolished in the Dome and broke their backs in the playoff hunt but how soon people forget huh.
____________________

“What have you done for me lately?”

goFalcons

December 31st, 2012
3:58 pm

Now the fun begins for our Falcons!!!!! It will be a great New Year and I can’t wait

Learn from this Smitty

December 31st, 2012
4:09 pm

What the heck was Coach Smith thinking? Keeping his starters in all game and not only risking, but having injuries come to fruition with needed players.
This was as dumb as some of his challenges and 4th down plays were last year.
How can someone so accomplished at what he’s done overall, be so stupid at times?

Mike Franklin

December 31st, 2012
4:12 pm

Our home, our dome, our year… we win it all. No questions, no doubts.

Priceless

December 31st, 2012
4:21 pm

Failcons to close playoffs at 4:30 p,m, , Sunday. Jan. 13th

DawgNole

December 31st, 2012
5:11 pm

One and done…
December 31st, 2012
10:41 am

Heck, they are only 3-3 in their division – good thing they are not in the NCAA or they would not even be in the playoff since they did not win their division…
__________________

The WON their division, dope. “One and done…” alright.

Michael M.

December 31st, 2012
5:23 pm

LMAO at the one n doners………………….they need to issue you a new nickname and it is called the one and dumbers …………………
The Falcons will win at home this year and when it happens remember you heard it hear first okay?
So now……………………..you can come on here and crack your idiot remarks again.

d

December 31st, 2012
6:12 pm

aint fan in hiram posting with a bag over his head. priceless.

philip

December 31st, 2012
6:32 pm

I am sorry Smith is a con artist. I will guarentee there is no way Abe will be playing in the Playoffs game. He was carted off. When he said he was optimistic is his press conference, I would have challenge him and said do you gaurantee he would play. CMON D-Led don’t be afraid to pressure Smith every now and then… LOL

[...] attempt to whip the Buccaneers and get a little bit of that ethereal momentum he more… Falcons to open playoffs at 1 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 13th – blogs.ajc.com 12/30/2012 The Falcons, the No. 1 seed in the NFC, will host the lowest seed [...]

DawgNole

January 1st, 2013
8:58 pm

Priceless
December 31st, 2012
4:21 pm

Failcons to close playoffs at 4:30 p,m, , Sunday. Jan. 13th
__________________

It’s at 1 p.m., dimwit. Can you read?
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[...] Falcons to open playoffs at 1 p.m., Sunday Jan. 13th [...]

[...] Falcons to open playoffs at 1 p.m., Sunday Jan. 13th [...]

[...] Falcons to open playoffs at 1 p.m., Sunday Jan. 13th [...]

[...] Falcons to open playoffs at 1 p.m., Sunday Jan. 13th [...]

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