NFL Playoff Picture: Falcons Still Can Steal NFC South Away from Saints

The Atlanta Falcons have been up and down this season, while the New Orleans Saints have soared to an 11-3 record.

But, as distant as it may seem, the 9-5 Falcons still have a legitimate shot to win the NFC South.

If the Saints lose their next two games and the Falcons win their next two games, the Falcons capture the division.

That movement can start on Saturday when the Falcons face the Saints in New Orleans.

The Falcons lost to the Saints in Week 10, but only by a score of 26-23 in overtime. They also have the offense to keep up with the Saints, scoring a combined 72 points in the last two games. They still have a chance of beating the Saints in New Orleans.

If the Falcons beat the Saints in Week 16, they face the woeful Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 17, a game they should easily win.

As for the Saints, they face the Carolina Panthers in Week 17. Although the Panthers don't have a good record this season, they do have the offense to keep up with the Saints behind rookie quarterback Cam Newton. Plus, the Saints barely eked out a victory against the Panthers in Week 5, 30-27.

It's still a long shot for the Falcons to win the division, but it's not as far-fetched as it may seem.

Look for a heated divisional matchup on Saturday.