Falcons vs Giants: Why Atlanta Is Easily NFC's Biggest Dark Horse Team

With other marquee matchups this weekend, maybe he most intriguing is the Atlanta versus New York Giants battle this afternoon.

Sometimes, you cannot help but be a fan, and of the four games this weekend, the Falcons and the Giants may be the most evenly matched.

While teams like Green Bay, San Francisco and New Orleans have proven to dominate the NFC this year, the Falcons have caught fire at the right time and could prove to be the Green Bay Packers of this year in their chase for the NFC championship and a trip to Indianapolis.

While the Giants will be ready (Tom Coughlin teams are tough), Atlanta may be the one team that surprises everyone and makes it through the tough roads of the NFC. Here are some reasons why this dark horse is primed for the long run.

Mike Smith's Defense Is Pretty Good

Smith has the Falcons ranked 12th overall in the NFL.

Ahead of the Saints. Ahead of the Packers. Ahead of the Lions. Ahead of the Giants.

While the offenses seem to well ahead of the defenses in the NFC, Smith and his unit were in the upper half this year. At times, they looked down right nasty (against the Jaguars and Buccaneers).

If they play that way against the Giants, they will advance.

Matt Ryan Is Playing His Best Football

Ryan is throwing the ball with accuracy and a fluid motion. You see confidence in his play. You see him developing into an upper echelon passer.

Mike Mularkey has a lot to do with that. His receivers have a lot to do with that.

Whatever the reason, Ryan can take this team deep into the playoffs.

Meet Mr. Abraham

John Abraham continues to marvel with his play. In fact, the Falcons front line marvels weekly.

Abraham and Ray Edwards have been a good tandem in pass rush situations and against teams in stopping the run.

Abraham is playing at a level where teams must plan for him, opening the door for other players to make key plays.

We Haven't Seen Julio Jones Break out Yet

While Roddy White caught 100 passes this season, Julio Jones only caught 54 on the year. But will the playoffs be his breakout party?

With 959 yards in receptions, every time he catches the ball, he could be a threat to take it to the end zone. And that would become one more dimension of the Falcons offense that teams need to game plan for.

Look for Jones to do some damage in the postseason.

Michael Turner Is the Forgotten Player on Offense

While the world watched Maurice Jones-Drew, LeSean McCoy and Ray Rice dazzle everyone with their running, did anyone notice that Michael Turner had 1,340 yards on the ground.

That was good for third overall in the NFL, if you are scoring at home.

Turner's "Larry Csonka" style of running through a line was instrumental in opening up the passing game for Matt Ryan and his host of receivers.

Brent Grimes Return Means a Lot to the Defense

When Grimes returned for the game against the New Orleans Saints at the end of the season, it was a sign the secondary would be at full strength come playoff time.

That meant more than most would think for this team.

While Drew Brees picked the Falcons secondary apart (he does that to everyone), having Grimes back for that game and the playoff run means receivers on opposing teams will have to be weary of No. 20 lurking in the secondary.

This also takes some pressure off other defenders who played in his place.

Grimes makes the defense better.

No One Is Talking About Them

Green Bay has Aaron Rodgers. New Orleans has Drew Brees. San Francisco has Frank Gore.

Atlanta is the last seed in the playoffs.

It makes for great drama. And when no one talks about you, it is a lot easier to move through the forest of tall trees.

Atlanta could be as complete as any team left in the playoffs.