Playoff poll: Do you prefer Falcons play Saints or Packers?
Drew Brees is back in the Georgia Dome tonight.
Aaron Rodgers was here in November.
While the Falcons have done a good job this season not looking beyond the next game — in this case, tonight’s meeting with the New Orleans Saints at the Georgia Dome — it doesn’t have to stop us from looking ahead, does it?
So here’s the question: Which team would you rather see the Falcons play in their first playoff game: The Saints for the third time or the Green Bay Packers for the second? Because it’s likely to be one of those two.
Loading ...The Falcons will lock up the NFC’s top seed with a win either tonight or next week against Carolina. Pending the outcome of Philadelphia’s postponed home game against Minnesota, which has been rescheduled for Tuesday night, this is how the standings in the NFC lay out right now:
♦ 1. Falcons (12-2): Bye.
♦ 2. Philadelphia (10-4) or Chicago (11-4): Bye.
♦ 3. Chicago or Philadelphia.
♦ 4. St. Louis (7-8).
♦ 5. New Orleans (10-4).
♦ 6. Green Bay/N.Y. Giants/Tampa Bay (9-6). (Green Bay controls its own destiny. It’s in the playoffs if it defeats visiting Chicago next week, or if New York and Tampa Bay both lose.)
Let’s assume for now that the Eagles — who have home games remaining against the Vikings and Dallas — win the No. 2 seed and the bye. In that scenario, the Packers (or Giants or Buccaneers) travel to Chicago in the first round and New Orleans travels to St. Louis. If the Saints and Bears win, the top four seeds in the next round would be: Falcons-Eagles-Bears-Saints. New Orleans would return to the Georgia Dome for the NFC semifinal.
If the Packers (or Giants or Bucs) defeat Chicago, and the Saints win at St. Louis, the seeding becomes: Falcons-Eagles-Saints-Packers. In that scenario, the Falcons play Green Bay and New Orleans travels to Philadelphia.
The best case scenario for the Falcons is that the Nos. 3 (Chicago or Philadelphia) and 4 (St. Louis) seeds win. (The Rams get a No. 4 seed despite its current 7-8 record for winning the NFC West). If that happens, The Rams come to Atlanta. But most aren’t expecting that.
So assuming its the Saints or Packers, which opponent would you rather see? The Falcons are 1-0 against each, defeating the Saints 27-24 in overtime in September, and the Packers 20-17 Nov. 28.
♦
Earlier posts
– Falcons get a chance to clinch division and quiet critics
– Atlanta can suddenly hit pro sports utopia
♦
Enter the “Sack Schultz” bowl contest and win an iPad! The bowls have started but don’t worry. Early games count only one point each and there’s like 12,000 bowls. Click here for more info or go to ajc.com/go/sack-schultz to enter.
♦
Follow me on Twitter @JeffSchultzAJC; friend me at Facebook.com/JeffSchultzAJC
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
246 comments Add your comment
LLOYD CHRISTMAS
December 27th, 2010
2:27 pm
Dem dat who is we beat.
JSS
December 27th, 2010
2:27 pm
@ Cheshire…
“Are there actually UGA/GT fans arguing on this blog?” They’d turn that insipid blog about “dating in Atlanta” into a 6-6 pissing contest… Amazing…
Dion
December 27th, 2010
2:27 pm
I look forward to the game tonight, as bad as we Falcons fans do not want to admit it, the Saints are a well balanced team and have many weapons like the Falcons. I for one would love to beat the Saints in our house and wrap up dome field advantage tonight and not wait until next week. This is where the good teams come out, when it is all on the line. I expect a good game from the New and Improved Falcons!!
Packer Backer
December 27th, 2010
2:28 pm
For a number seed, you guys have a tough task. Either team should be a competitive game. I would love for the Packers to come back down here and try again. I won’t talk as much pregame trash this time around, though. The Falcons earned my respect, but I still like the Packers’ chances.
not an aint fan
December 27th, 2010
2:28 pm
NATION get a job or a life plz!!
joe
December 27th, 2010
2:29 pm
Because some TOOL at the top of the board stated “I hope Drew Brees breaks something, and I am not talking about his fans hearts”
not an aint fan
December 27th, 2010
2:32 pm
Both teams are going to be tough to beat but like the other guy said beating the aints 3 times in one season is almost unheard of… with that said i would rather see GB but with aaron playing like he is that will tough also
D A Double U G
December 27th, 2010
2:33 pm
IF the Saints win tonight, they will assume they have a major bragging right over the Falcons. The truth is, We beat them in their mighty castle on the Mississippi River back in September.
But, so did the Browns……. so maybe it wasn’t as special as I initially thought.
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
December 27th, 2010
2:34 pm
It doesn’t matter who the Falcons play, CHOKE will screw it up
1 and done is in his DNA.
Stop Turner – you stop the Falcons.
Just give CHOKE enough ROPE.
ROADDAWG80
December 27th, 2010
2:38 pm
If the falcons can beat the sAint’s tonight then Tampa Bay controls their own destiny next week. Maybe that will happen and we won’t have to worry about the sAint’s
so right
December 27th, 2010
2:38 pm
your right he keeps choking for win after win. it doesn’t matter
Jeff Schultz
December 27th, 2010
2:39 pm
Ted M — I think it should be treated like a preseason game: starters player a series or two or nothing at all.
We Dat Nation
December 27th, 2010
2:41 pm
I honestly don’t think it would matter which one. The Falcons aren’t easily rattled or afraid of any team! I’d much rather it be over the Aints though! WE DAT!
Jeff Schultz
December 27th, 2010
2:42 pm
Falcons Fan 1 — Days and times are not predetermined for playoff games. Networks look at matchups once they’re set and go from there.
Ted M
December 27th, 2010
2:44 pm
The Falcons came out flat against the Steeler’s to start the season and lost. I think that’s why… the starter only scored 1 TD in preseason then didn’t play at all in the last PS game.
2 weeks is to long for the starters not to play IMHO.
Jeff Schultz
December 27th, 2010
2:45 pm
JSS — The playoff matchup? It’s first time I’ve asked this question.
Jeff Schultz
December 27th, 2010
2:46 pm
Who dat Crap?? — The term’s actually been around since the 19th century.
Jeff Schultz
December 27th, 2010
2:48 pm
AT REQUEST OF JSS FOR THOSE WHO DON’T UNDERSTAND: Division winners comprise the first four seeds. Wild cards are seeds 5 and 6. It doesn’t matter if wild card teams have a better record than division winners. The only way a wild card team can host a playoff game is if they play another wild card team.
JSS
December 27th, 2010
2:54 pm
@ RoadDawg…
What? Tampa needs more help then that…
http://espn.go.com/nfl/standings?type=playoffs&sort=conferenceRank&order=false
http://minnesota.sbnation.com/minnesota-vikings/2010/12/27/1898462/nfl-playoff-picture-coming-into-more-distinct-focus
Anyone counting on Rex Grossman to knock off anybody but the wayward Cowboys is expecting the Jimmy Clausen to have a 500 yard passing game before this season ends too…
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
December 27th, 2010
2:58 pm
“CHOKE DNA”
When it comes to choking, the Falcons have the man for the job.
That chump named CHOKE, all of Blank’s money the scrub robbed.
With the foot speed of a snail and the arm strength made of noodle,
This chump is weak, and needs to be neutered like a whimpy poodle.
In their own building, in the Georgia Dome,
vs the Eagles, this is still Vick’s home.
Since the creation, of the NFL South,
Only one qb has playoff wins, so shut your mouths.
Facing the Saints, now that’s your only hope,
Because when Vick makes a housecall, noodle arm will pull another CHOKE.
Sorry guys – you have no hope
Jeff Schultz
December 27th, 2010
2:58 pm
Here’s the official playoff scenarios in the NFC, via the NFL:
NFC
CLINCHED:
Atlanta – playoff spot.
Chicago – NFC North division.
Philadelphia – NFC East division.
ELIMINATED:
Carolina, Detroit, Washington, Dallas, Minnesota, Arizona,San Francisco.
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
Philadelphia has clinched NFC East division and still has a chance to earn a first-round bye and home field advantage next week as of Monday.
CHICAGO BEARS
Chicago has clinched NFC North division and still has a chance to earn a first-round bye and homefield advantage next week as of Monday.
ATLANTA FALCONS
Atlanta clinches NFC South and homefield advantage with a win or tie against New Orleans Monday night. If Atlanta loses tonight, it still has a chance to win the NFC South, a first-round bye and homefield advantage next week.
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
New Orleans clinches a playoff spot with a win or tie against Atlanta Monday night and still has a chance to win the NFC South, a first-round bye and homefield advantage next week. If New Orleans loses Monday night, it can still clinch a playoff spot next week with:
1) NO win or tie
2) NYG loss or tie + GB loss or tie
GREEN BAY PACKERS
Green Bay clinches a playoff spot:
1) GB win
2) GB tie + NYG loss or tie + TB loss or tie
3) NYG loss + TB loss
NEW YORK GIANTS
NY Giants clinch a playoff spot:
1) NYG win + GB loss or tie
2) NYG win + NO loses twice
3) NYG tie + GB loss + TB loss or tie
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
Tampa Bay clinches a playoff spot:
1) TB win + NO loss to ATL + NYG loss or tie
2) TB win + NO loss to ATL + GB loss or tie
3) TB win + NYG loss or tie + GB loss or tie
4) TB tie + NYG loss + GB loss
ST. LOUIS RAMS
St. Louis clinches NFC West division:
1) STL win or tie
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
Seattle clinches NFC West division:
1) SEA win
JSS
December 27th, 2010
2:59 pm
@ Jeff Schultz…
Thanks… Oh, I got one in the filter because of links… Tampa never controls its destiny even if the Saints lose to the Falcons……
Vick Supporter
December 27th, 2010
3:01 pm
Are they still giving away Falcon playoff tickets? LOL
Freshmaker
December 27th, 2010
3:05 pm
Vick Supporter, the playoff tickets sold out in 8 minutes. Dunno what you’re smoking.
JSS
December 27th, 2010
3:07 pm
That 4 vs 5 playoff match up in both conferences is going to an epic blood letting!
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
December 27th, 2010
3:11 pm
@Vick Supporter
What’s up man? These delusional fans will never learn.
Will
December 27th, 2010
3:11 pm
I’m POSITIVE we’ll here about Katrina AGAIN tonight!!
Vick Supporter
December 27th, 2010
3:11 pm
@Freshmaker
Sorry man. Alot of people in my neighborhood were trying to give them awaym, but no one would take them,lol. They said they didn’t want to watch that BS falcon football
Who Dat Nation
December 27th, 2010
3:11 pm
not an aint fan
December 27th, 2010
2:28 pm
NATION get a job or a life plz!!
Go Saints!!
ROADDAWG80
December 27th, 2010
3:11 pm
JSS
I never meant the Bucs control their own destiny to the playoffs. I meant if the sAINT’S lose tonight then yes the Bucs control their own destiny of the Saint’s because the would win the tie breaker if they win
MV7 for MVP
December 27th, 2010
3:12 pm
Matt “CHOKE” Ryan
http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/blog/shutdown_corner/post/Obama-calls-Eagles-owner-to-congraulate-him-for-?urn=nfl-300632
AMERICA HAS SPOKEN
Vick Supporter
December 27th, 2010
3:12 pm
@Matt “CHOKE” Ryan
Nothing much man. I see you’re still on here killin’em,lol
Will
December 27th, 2010
3:13 pm
Vick electrocuted, shot & drowned dogs didn’t he?
MV7 for MVP
December 27th, 2010
3:13 pm
Matt Ryan will CHOKE again tonight
MV7 for MVP
December 27th, 2010
3:14 pm
Will
December 27th, 2010
3:13 pm
Vick electrocuted, shot & drowned dogs didn’t he?
Who cares
Will
December 27th, 2010
3:14 pm
Ryan hasn’t choked all season!
ROADDAWG80
December 27th, 2010
3:14 pm
Vick Supporter
Well then they are not very smart because they could triple their money on ebay because they are going for crazy prices.
If you are trying to talk trash because we are better off organization now that your beloved self is gone then at least make sense. Geeeez! When do these kids go back to school.
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
December 27th, 2010
3:14 pm
@Vick Supporter
They are still wanting some Whine with that delusional cheese.
“Jeff ban him, he hates the Falcons”.
Sound like a bunch of babies
Will
December 27th, 2010
3:15 pm
Dog killing is the start of a serial killer. Glad the feds stopped him!!
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
December 27th, 2010
3:16 pm
Will
December 27th, 2010
3:13 pm
Vick electrocuted, shot & drowned dogs didn’t he?
____________________________________________
You say that like it matters
MV7 for MVP
December 27th, 2010
3:16 pm
Will
December 27th, 2010
3:14 pm
Ryan hasn’t choked all season!
Eagles 31 Falcons 17
Vick Supporter
December 27th, 2010
3:17 pm
I’m actually going to watch this game. Hell, the Falcons might not last long enough to face the Eagles in the playoffs. The Falcons will have a TOUGH time dealing with the Saints….WORLD CHAMPION SAINTS that is….
AND SOON TO BE WORLD CHAMPION PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
December 27th, 2010
3:18 pm
Will
December 27th, 2010
3:15 pm
Dog killing is the start of a serial killer. Glad the feds stopped him!!
______________________________________________
Then Hitler must have eaten a lot of hot dogs
Will
December 27th, 2010
3:18 pm
ConVick will go back to prison. A leopard NEVER changes his spots.
MV7 for MVP
December 27th, 2010
3:18 pm
Michael Vick for MVP!!!!
Vick Supporter
December 27th, 2010
3:18 pm
@ROADDAWG80
?????????? And you’re talking about school?!? Your post made absolutely no sense
MV7 for MVP
December 27th, 2010
3:19 pm
Will
December 27th, 2010
3:18 pm
ConVick will go back to prison. A leopard NEVER changes his spots.
And Noodle Arm will CHOKE under pressure like always
Joey
December 27th, 2010
3:19 pm
“Why is anyone still investing any energy in either one of them?”
******************************
I don’t know, chesire, maybe most of us UGA and GT fans aren’t bandwagon jumpers like yourself?
Vick Supporter
December 27th, 2010
3:19 pm
Will
December 27th, 2010
3:18 pm
ConVick will go back to prison. A leopard NEVER changes his spots.
=====================================
Neither does a racist
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
December 27th, 2010
3:19 pm
Will
December 27th, 2010
3:14 pm
Ryan hasn’t choked all season!
____________________________________________
Lost vs Steelers 4th string qb