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.
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Earlier posts
– Falcons get a chance to clinch division and quiet critics
– Atlanta can suddenly hit pro sports utopia
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246 comments Add your comment
David
December 27th, 2010
3:46 pm
Joey, most Vick fans are racists. No doubt about it. Stick it to whitey is what they think.
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
December 27th, 2010
3:47 pm
Joey
December 27th, 2010
3:45 pm
Vick has had a dream season – his best. I’m inspired by his play this year, and I think he has truly changed.
I just don’t understand what being a Vick fan has to do with trashing Matt Ryan.
_____________________________________________
Maybe you should read some of the archives on AJC during the 2002-2006 seasons.
Just supporting CHOKE just like Vick was supported
Payback is a MUTHA
RedClay
December 27th, 2010
3:47 pm
It really doesn’t matter which team they meet, both are mirror images of each other no rushing game to speak of. Both teams just sling the ball all over the place. Green defense is a lot better than NO & the Saints haven’t been getting those gift turnovers they got all last year. I think that any team that can’t run the ball will be exposed in the playoffs.
MV7 for MVP
December 27th, 2010
3:47 pm
ConVick
December 27th, 2010
3:44 pm
Yo I’m up here in philly right now but u guys keep talkin’ it up about me here. I kilt some dawgs but so what. Ain’t people r they? I never had back 2 back win seasons in the ATL but so what. I’m the man I tell ya!
And Matt Ryan has Zero playoff wins
Depends
December 27th, 2010
3:48 pm
Who Dat:
Yes, wow, that’s right. If your offense had scored more points and your defense hadn’t allowed more points, you’d have won (that’s how it works) but your fans would still be without class.
MV7 for MVP
December 27th, 2010
3:48 pm
David
December 27th, 2010
3:46 pm
Joey, most Vick fans are racists. No doubt about it. Stick it to whitey is what they think
Speak for yourself
Who Dat Nation
December 27th, 2010
3:50 pm
Depends
December 27th, 2010
3:48 pm
Who Dat:
Yes, wow, that’s right. If your offense had scored more points and your defense hadn’t allowed more points, you’d have won (that’s how it works) but your fans would still be without class.
The Saints are the DEFENDING SUPERBOWL CHAMPS, when did the falcons win one
ROADDAWG80
December 27th, 2010
3:50 pm
Ask the Baltimore Ravens that when Ryan(Matty Ice) Went shotgun 5 wide all game and beat them. The Falcons are so balanced it’s crazy! They don’t have to run.
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
December 27th, 2010
3:51 pm
David
December 27th, 2010
3:46 pm
Joey, most Vick fans are racists. No doubt about it. Stick it to whitey is what they think.
_______________________________________________
Are you having a “pot & kettle” moment?
Vick Supporter
December 27th, 2010
3:51 pm
http://blogs.nfl.com/2010/12/23/however-you-define-it-vick-is-mvp/
Ed
December 27th, 2010
3:52 pm
I think the way that the Falcons play offensively, with Turner plowing in behind that big offensive line it sets up well no matter who their opponent is in the playoffs as well as the Super Bowl, should we make it that far. If the Falcons go ahead and secure home field advantage tonight against the Saints they may have the luxury of playing not only their playoff games but the Super Bowl all in dome stadiums where Matt Ryan has a Brady-esque passer rating.
Vick Supporter
December 27th, 2010
3:54 pm
Maybe you should read some of the archives on AJC during the 2002-2006 seasons.
Just supporting CHOKE just like Vick was supported
Payback is a MUTHA
——————————–
TELL’EM CHOKE!!!!!! That’s EXACTLY what alot of people are doing, including myself. Thats another reason I hate the Falcons…
Who Dat Nation
December 27th, 2010
3:55 pm
ROADDAWG80
December 27th, 2010
3:50 pm
Ask the Baltimore Ravens that when Ryan(Matty Ice) Went shotgun 5 wide all game and beat them. The Falcons are so balanced it’s crazy! They don’t have to run.
What about that missed pass interference call the refs saw at the end, can you say paid off
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
December 27th, 2010
3:55 pm
ROADDAWG80
December 27th, 2010
3:50 pm
Ask the Baltimore Ravens that when Ryan(Matty Ice) Went shotgun 5 wide all game and beat them. The Falcons are so balanced it’s crazy! They don’t have to run.
________________________________________________-
The Eagles rank 4th in rushing & 6th in passing.
Balanced enough?
Vick Supporter
December 27th, 2010
3:55 pm
@Ed
Don’t you mean a Vick-esque passer rating?.
Joey
December 27th, 2010
3:56 pm
Oh, I’ve just been on here a couple of years. It’s kinda like the UGA/GT postings, though, you can’t let a few jackasses allow you to believe everybody feels like they do.
I pull for Mike Vick most Sundays, but I, as a Falcon fan am scared to death of Andy Reid and Mike Vick in the playoffs.
ROADDAWG80
December 27th, 2010
3:56 pm
JSS
Dude seriously.
1) TB win + NO loss to ATL + NYG loss or tie
2) TB win + NO loss to ATL + GB loss or tie
IF THE SAINTS LOSE TO ATL AND THE BUCS WIN YES THEY STILL NEED HELP. HOWEVER THEY OWN THE TIE BREAKER OVER THE SAINTS IF THAT HAPPENS. SO BETWEEN THE SAINTS AND BUCS IF THAT HAPPENS NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENS IS THE FIRST TEAM IN WOULD BE THE BUCS.
wxwax
December 27th, 2010
3:57 pm
Tough choice.
No easy answer.
It reminds us that there are no easy games in the playoffs.
But I don’t see anyone beating New England, now that San Diego’s out.
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
December 27th, 2010
3:58 pm
Ed
December 27th, 2010
3:52 pm
I think the way that the Falcons play offensively, with Turner plowing in behind that big offensive line it sets up well no matter who their opponent
_________________________________________________
How well did Turner ploy during the Eagles EMBARRASSMENT
The Giants were averaging 200 plus yards rushing against the league, then against the Eagles, 39 in 1st game and 100 in the second game
Zoomie
December 27th, 2010
3:59 pm
There’s no easy road through the playoffs.
The Saints are always dangerous to Atlanta. The Packers have hobbled together a run game, Aaron Rodgers is playing lights-out, and the team is peaking at the perfect time. Chicago made some brilliant offensive tweaks to go along with their killer defense (yesterday’s game notwithstanding), and are also peaking late in the season. The Eagles have so many offensive weapons, it’s nearly impossible for any team to shut them down.
Who would I rather see Atlanta play in the playoffs? Whoever earns a trip to the Georgia Dome. Bring ‘em on; one at a time or singularly. The 2010 Falcons can hold their own against any of them.
RedClay
December 27th, 2010
4:01 pm
The Falcons just need to close the deal tonight, we don’t need to be playing in any of this crazy winter weather!
wxwax
December 27th, 2010
4:01 pm
One can’t escape the suspicion that if and when Atlanta loses in the playoffs, it will be because of the defense.
They’ve been improving, but the playoffs are a very proposition. The pressure will reveal any flaws in that group.
Brees, Vick and Rogers are all very scary.
Vick Supporter
December 27th, 2010
4:01 pm
Lol at Zoomie
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
December 27th, 2010
4:07 pm
The thing that makes the Eagles so dangerous is all that speed, but unlike the receivers that Vick had in Atlanta – the Eagles all have good hands and can actually catch the ball.
Averaging 29.2 points and over 400 yards per game is a coach’s night mare:
- DeSean Jackson……..4.2
- Jeremy Maclin………..4.3
- Lesean Mccoy…………..4.4
- Jason Avant…………..4.5 and best hands in NFL
And ask the Giants how fast the tight end, Brent Celek is.
Of course, we all know about the 4.3 speed Vick has.
The funny thing is, the Eagles offense hasn’t peaked yet – that is SCARY!
David
December 27th, 2010
4:12 pm
Choke- How long have you been a Philly fan?
Will
December 27th, 2010
4:13 pm
Yeah blame it on the WR’s. Just admit Vick was a DUMB QB while he was in Atlanta.
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
December 27th, 2010
4:14 pm
@David
That’s above your pay grade
David
December 27th, 2010
4:16 pm
Ole ConVick. What a thuuuuug haha
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
December 27th, 2010
4:17 pm
Will
December 27th, 2010
4:13 pm
Yeah blame it on the WR’s. Just admit Vick was a DUMB QB while he was in Atlanta
____________________________________________-
Dumb is when your owner signs a franchise back, hall of fame tight end, pro bowl receiver, a couple of 1st round offensive linemen and the franchise qb still has Z-E-R-O playoff wins.
Now that is plain DUMB & PATHETIC
observer
December 27th, 2010
4:18 pm
Either one would be tough but you don’t get to the big dance by dancing with wallflowers.
David
December 27th, 2010
4:19 pm
I’d take Ryan any day of the week over ConVick. Ryan 12-2. Vick 10-4. Really the Gag Giants had em’ beat.
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
December 27th, 2010
4:19 pm
David
December 27th, 2010
4:16 pm
Ole ConVick. What a thuuuuug haha
______________________________________________
That’s Mr. MVP to you
David
December 27th, 2010
4:21 pm
Nope Brady will be the MVP! Mark it down!!
Matt
December 27th, 2010
4:24 pm
David, don’t bother talking with these Vick fans. It’s meaningless. They only like him because he’s black. Alot of them are racists. The Falcons are having a great season & they are jealous as heck. GO FALCONS!!
dbird1
December 27th, 2010
4:28 pm
I love when losers like joe tess and choke come on the falcons blog and have conversations with themselves. Its clear as day that it is the same virgin making the same worn-out statments. vick bla bla bla. choke bla bla bla. come back when you have something new to say
dbird1
December 27th, 2010
4:29 pm
joe tess=loser
Rolo
December 27th, 2010
4:34 pm
Who cares….a bunch of over paid gang bangers, just crips and blooks with refs
Smokin
December 27th, 2010
4:46 pm
It’s a long bus ride back tho NO. Oh Well, you still got LAST YEAR.lol
5150 P.O.A.D.
December 27th, 2010
4:47 pm
Who is going to watch the HAWKS v BUCKS tonight? LOL
Stinger2
December 27th, 2010
4:51 pm
Jeff: If Falcons win against Saints tonight, I had rather it be the Packers in the playoffs. No way Falcons can beat NO three times in same season. Conversly, a Falcons loss tonight would make a Falcons-Saints playoff game much more exciting and competitive if they face each other to see who can win two out of three and move on toward the Super Bowl.
nauti-dawg
December 27th, 2010
4:53 pm
Who is the rocket scientist editor at the AJC that has started putting three different headlines on the same frigging weak story to try to make it look the sports staff is actually earning their money?
It shows up on my Google widget as 3 separate stories….
Stop it, dumb@ss!!
packman2092
December 27th, 2010
4:54 pm
it doesnt matter which team they play, they will lose to either one of them. the win over the saints and packers was a gift from God, but the saints will crush them this weak and leave them crying. i still believe they are pretenders. to come away with a 12-2 record with the easiest schedule in the history of football doesnt mean anything. The packers will beat the bears twice in a row, and beat the falcons on their way to the NFC championship game. whether or not they will reach the super bowl is tbd, cuz at that point i dont know if we will be playing the saints or eagles…. i like the packs odds in both of them seeing how a-rod is simply a beast and you cant hold back the most complete wide receiving corps in the nfl no matter how good your defense is.
GO PACK GO!!!!!
TrishaDishaWarEagle
December 27th, 2010
4:54 pm
Heading down to the dome now! AMP IT UP, FALCONS FANS!!!! This is the ICE HOUSE..Matty ICE does not lose at the ICE HOUSE..
Who dat gonna lose tonight? Aint’s!! Aint’s!!
TrishaDishaWarEagle
December 27th, 2010
4:56 pm
And to eagles fans, I think Dante Robinson has the best plan for shutting down your speedy but tiny receivers this time..in the words of Tim Tebow in the NIke Commercial,…BOOM!
An Adult
December 27th, 2010
5:13 pm
Given Matt ‘Choke’ Ryan is a kid, I guess his Mommy lets him on the computer all day (but not very late it night it appears… beddy bye must be early in middle school these days). Thankfully he isn’t an adult because if he was, he’s screwing his boss on time given he’s on the web before 5PM a lot (I can’t look until I get off work). Or he’s self employed running a lemonade stand or something kids do.
Peta
December 27th, 2010
5:19 pm
Watch us stop him !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
kreedham
December 27th, 2010
5:23 pm
Which team has a better chance beating Philly in round 2. We can beat GB and NO so let one who has the best chance to beat Philly play them and we’ll take the other. We can beat both! Then after we win round one we’ll play and beat the other!
Of course it would be awesome to beat Philly for the NFC championship except for those that won’t give up the ghost and wear their Vick jerseys!
Edan Aharony
December 27th, 2010
5:25 pm
Finally a good monday night game. My money is on the Hawks they don’t lose at home. Edan Aharony
Brendan
December 27th, 2010
5:27 pm
Jeff Schultz, fabulous blog today. Very intriguing topic. Of course, we’d all like to see the Rams here. I, personally, wouldn’t want to have to play TB for a 3rd time, much less New Orleans, for a 3rd time. So, my vote goes to the Packers. Hey, there are a lot of very good teams in the NFC playoffs this year, except for whoever wins the West. There will be no “soft” games. That’s my opinion.
Now, I want everyone still reading, or potentially still reading this post, to envision this as a Super Bowl winning year for the Falcons. Just humor me, okay??? Sheesh. Wouldn’t it lend a bit more “oomph” if the Falcons beat the Defending Super Bowl Champs enroute to their own title?
To be thought of as “one of the greatest Super Bowl Champions ever,” the Falcons need to beat the Saints (Defending Champs,) then the Eagles (perennial playoff team for the past decade; largely regarded as one of the most dominant teams in the NFC and NFL during that period), then … to defeat the New England Patriots, # 1 seed in the AFC, for the big silver trophy.
Hey, it’d be hard to argue that the Falcons weren’t one of the very best teams to ever win the Super Bowl. They went 14-2 or 13-3 in the regular season, then defeated # 5 New Orleans, Defending Champs, then # 2 Philadelphia, then # 1 New England. “If” being the operative word. Personally, I just hope the Falcons do very well. I hope they can clinch homefield throughout the NFC playoffs. And I hope they at least reach the NFC title game. If they do, I’ll consider this 2010 season to be a “raging success.” This is YEAR THREE of consecutive “winning seasons.” How long did it take the Falcons just to have a back-to-back winning seasons? I think it was 42 years, or something like this. Even if they finished 12-4, that’s a tremendous season. If they win a playoff game, that’d be a very good season. If they reach the NFC title game and/or if they win the Halas Trophy, that’s an OUTSTANDING season. And if they reach the Super Bowl, that’s one of the greatest seasons EVERRRR in Falcons History. Needless to say, if they actually won the Super Bowl, it’d be thee GREATEST SEASON EVER for the Atlanta Falcons. And who could have thought about that, plum in the middle of the Michael Vick controversy … just a few short years ago?? It speaks to “overall strategy” and ownership. Arthur Blank chose the GM. The GM selected the Coach. There was a “vision.” There was a diagram … for how to escape the dark cloud of the Michael Vick saga. Getting Matt Ryan, 3rd overall, in the draft, was a huuuuge first step towards putting a new face on the franchise, and solving the problem at QB. Nothing against Matt Schaub. I hope Schaub has every success with the Houston Texans. I also wish Michael Vick every success with the Eagles, UNLESS they play the Falcons. Michael Vick’s turn-around is quite remarkable, as well. In a way, we can say they BOTH won. Michael Vick cleaned up his life, and the Falcons cleaned up their franchise. Congrats to both!
Ken
December 27th, 2010
5:27 pm
LAST!!!!!! I am thrilled!
Anyway, I would take the ATL vs GBP anytime….3x with the St.’s would be good…but I think, considering that ATL would have home field advantage, the crowd behind them…I think the “Pack” would be the best bet.
Now…how far could ATL go this year…as far as the “crowd” leads them….hmmmm…..ATL vs NE for the SB?…unreal!!!!!!!!!!!!!