How can Atlanta Falcons make the playoffs? Exploring all scenarios for Raheem Morris & Co. ahead of Week 18

The Atlanta Falcons held the key to their playoff chances entering Week 17. All Raheem Morris' team needed to do was win their last two games to make the playoffs, regardless of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' last two results.

However, the Falcons lost after some heroics from Offensive Rookie of the Year favorite Jayden Daniels. They'll now need some help in the last game week of the regular season.

Hence, ahead of Week 18, let's examine the scenarios needed for the Falcons to end their postseason drought.

How do the Atlanta Falcons make the playoffs?

The Atlanta Falcons will need a major favor from divisional rivals, the New Orleans Saints, to make the playoffs this season. The Saints must defeat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 18, while the Falcons must win over the Carolina Panthers.

The Buccaneers are 9-7 entering Week 18, while the Falcons are 8-8. Hence, a tie for Baker Mayfield and Co. will secure their first-place spot in the division, while the Falcons will be forced to miss out on the postseason. Furthermore, the wildcard route is out of the picture due to the strength of the other teams in the conference.

How did the Atlanta Falcons get here?

The Falcons started the season on fire. Kirk Cousins was balling, Bijan Robinson glided, and Drake London looked like the real deal. Atlanta was 6-3 heading into Week 10, while the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were 4-5 at the same stage.

However, it was then that the tables turned, as the Falcons lost four straight games to drop to 6-7. In the meantime, the Buccaneers won four straight after their bye week to flip their record to 8-6. It was from that moment that Todd Bowles' team had the momentum.

Of course, the Falcons hold the tiebreaker between the sides entering Week 18. Still, that tiebreaker will be pointless unless the already eliminated New Orleans Saints can do a solid for the Falcons by beating the Buccaneers in the last game of the season. Then the Falcons must pick up a win over the Carolina Panthers in their season closer.