The 2024 NFL season wraps up this weekend but there’s still a lot that needs to be settled around the league. The NFC South, NFC North and AFC North divisions are still up for grabs as we head into Week 18.
While the Atlanta Falcons controlled their destiny a week ago, that’s no longer the case after Sunday’s 30-24 overtime loss to the Washington Commanders.
At 8-8, the only way the Falcons can clinch the division is by defeating the Carolina Panthers and hoping the Tampa Bay Buccaneers lose to the New Orleans Saints.
How can Falcons win NFC South in Week 18?
- Falcons defeat Panthers
- Saints defeat Buccaneers
Back when Kirk Cousins was in his “Kirko Chainz” phase, the Falcons defeated the Buccaneers twice, giving Atlanta the tiebreaker. Without this, the Falcons would have already been eliminated from the playoff race.
It’s unlikely that the Bucs will lose to the Saints, but the fact that it’s a rivalry game adds a level of unpredictability. Atlanta must also remember this and not overlook a scrappy Panthers team in Week 18.
NFL.com currently lists the Falcons’ postseason odds at 11 percent.