Atlanta Falcons: NFC Power Rankings, Week 16
By John Buhler
Dec 20, 2015; Jacksonville, FL, USA;Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Nate Stupar (54) celebrates after a stop against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the fourth quarter at EverBank Field. The Atlanta Falcons won 23-17. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports
The Atlanta Falcons end their six-game losing streak by beating the Jacksonville Jaguars. Where do the Falcons land in Week 16’s NFC Power Rankings?
The Atlanta Falcons were able to stop their six-game skid by defeating the Jacksonville Jaguars, 23-17 in Week 15. Atlanta moves back to .500 at 7-7 with two NFC South games remaining on the 2015 slate. However, with the Minnesota Vikings and the Seattle Seahawks also winning in Week 15, the Atlanta Falcons have been basically eliminated from playoff contention in 2015.
Entering Week 16, a great deal of NFC teams have already been eliminated from playoff contention. The only things in the NFC Playoffs up for grabs are the NFC East race and the some slight playoff seeding.
Even with Atlanta probably out of the playoffs, there is still plenty for this team to play for. This team can still finish above .500 this season. They’ve already exceed their win total from last year. The Atlanta Falcons’ seven 2015 wins are the most the team has had since playing in the 2012 NFC Championship. There are also players on this team playing for contracts next season. Expect players like safety Kemal Ishmael, linebacker Nate Stupar, and wide receiver Justin Hardy to make the most of their extended playing time in the final two weeks.
While some in Rise Up Nation would want the Dirty Birds to lose their final two games for a better pick in the 2016 NFL Draft’s first round, Atlanta is likely picking in the middle of the first round anyway as one of the better teams in the NFL to not make the playoffs. So going for nine wins probably won’t affect Atlanta’s draft spot all that much.
Without further ado, here are the NFC Power Rankings for Week 16.
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