What do the Falcons need to make the playoffs? Atlanta's Week 15 scenarios explored

The Atlanta Falcons were defeated by the Minnesota Vikings 42-21 in Week 14. The Falcons never looked like winning, as Kirk Cousins was routinely pressured in his return to his former stomping ground. With the loss, the Falcons (6-7) have officially relinquished their lead at the top of the NFC South.

With Week 14 in the rearview mirror, let's examine the Falcons' playoff chances heading into the last four games of the 2024 regular season.

What do the Falcons need to make the playoffs? Atlanta's Week 15 scenarios explored

What do the Atlanta Falcons need to make the playoffs?

The Atlanta Falcons are 6-7 going into Week 15. They're on a four-game losing streak and fresh off one of their worst losses in recent memory. The Falcons were 6-3 ahead of Week 10.

If the Falcons are to make the playoffs, they'll need to turn around their fortunes quickly. They'll also need the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to slow down with the winning to give them a chance of catching and potentially surpassing them in the playoff standings.

According to the Sportskeeda playoff predictor, the Atlanta Falcons will end the season with a 9-8 record. That'll put them just outside the playoffs as the eighth seed in the NFC. To make matters worse, it'll leave them with the 17th pick in the upcoming NFL draft, by which point all the major can't-miss prospects would have been off the draft board.

Atlanta Falcons playoff chances in Week 15

The Atlanta Falcons have a decent chance of making the playoffs. All that needs to happen is for them to equal the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' record at the end of the regular season. They won both games against the NFC South leaders this season, holding the advantage in a potential tie.

However, the Falcons must avoid another loss this season, as the Bucs are currently playing arguably their best football. Another slip-up could be dire for the Falcons' slim playoff hopes.

Atlanta Falcons face-off against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 15

The Falcons' first step to securing postseason football is recording a win in Week 15 against the Las Vegas Raiders.

After the Raiders game, the Falcons will round out their season with games against the New York Giants, Washington Commanders and Carolina Panthers. All these games (aside from the Commanders' one) are winnable, and winning them will give the Falcons a decent chance at securing a much-desired playoff spot.