The Falcons were once 6-3 behind Kirk Cousins, leaning on the quarterback’s veteran expertise after signing him to a large contract in the offseason.
Now, Atlanta is 8-8 entering Week 18, still fighting for a playoff spot with rookie Michael Penix Jr. taking the reigns at quarterback.
It’s been quite the season for the Falcons, who benched Cousins prior to Week 16 after the quarterback struggled mightily during a four-game losing streak. Atlanta has had some high points, such as a miraculous Week 2 comeback over the Eagles or an overtime victory over Tampa Bay in Week 5. But it’s also had very low points, like a 42-21 blowout loss in Week 14 to Cousins’ former team, Minnesota.
Either way, after all that’s happened, the Falcons came into the regular season’s final week with a shot at the postseason. Atlanta entered with a shot at the NFC South title.
Atlanta lost its final home game to the Carolina Panthers, however, falling 44-38 in overtime. Despite the loss, Penix played well, finishing with 312 yards passing, two touchdowns and a rushing score. He did have an interception, but the ball bounced off his receiver’s hands before the pick.
Did the Falcons make the final playoff picture in Week 18? Here’s what the loss to the Panthers means for Atlanta’s playoff hopes.
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Falcons playoff picture for Week 18
Atlanta’s 30-24 overtime loss to Washington in Week 17 only made things tougher for the team. The Falcons entered Week 18 trailing the Buccaneers (9-7) by one game in the NFC South.
That means Atlanta didn’t control its own destiny to the postseason. The Falcons needed two things to happen to sneak into the playoffs.
How the Falcons lost the NFC South
First, the Falcons needed the Buccaneers to lose to the Saints at home. Although the Bucs trailed 16-6 at halftime, Tampa Bay led a furious second-half rally, ultimately winning 27-19. The second thing Atlanta needed to happen was the beat the Panthers at home. Ultimately, Atlanta didn’t end up having either scenarios happen, as the Falcons lost 44-38 in overtime to Carolina.
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When is the last time the Falcons made the playoffs?
Atlanta hasn’t made the playoffs since 2017. Upon signing Kirk Cousins this offseason, the hope was that Atlanta could finally end the postseason drought. But as Atlanta reloads in 2025 with Penix as the unquestioned starter, the Falcons have a great shot at making the postseason next year.
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