Falcons have statistically easy road to playoffs

By D. Orlando Ledbetter

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

FLOWERY BRANCH – The Falcons' road to the playoffs is strewn with far less obstacles than some of their NFC brethren.

The Falcons have the third-weakest remaining schedule (opponents hold an aggregate 27-27 record) of the eight NFC teams with records over .500.

The Falcons close out with games against Philadelphia (7-4), New Orleans (10-0), at the New York Jets (5-6), Buffalo (4-7) and at Tampa Bay (1-10).

New Orleans (unbeaten before Monday's game with New England) has the weakest remaining schedule (22-33). After New England, the Saints play Washington (3-8), at Atlanta (6-5), Dallas (8-3), Tampa Bay (1-10) and at Carolina (4-7).

Green Bay (7-4) has the second-weakest remaining schedule (27-28).

"This is the time of year where a win is a win," quarterback Chris Redman said. "You just have to win."

The key to the NFC race is how Dallas, New York and Philadelphia finish in the NFC East.  They all play each other and have difficult remaining schedules.

But if the Falcons don't beat Philadelphia Sunday, their playoff hopes go on life-support. New York and Dallas have the head-to-head tie-breaker over the Falcons.

"We have to play every game like it's our last and put it on the line," Redman said. "You can't put too much pressure on yourself. We just have to go out there and do what we've been doing for years."

Minnesota (NFC North), New Orleans (NFC South) and Arizona (NFC West) all hold commanding leads in their divisions. Only the NFC East is up in the air, along with two wildcard spots.

"December is here," offensive lineman Will Svitek said. "I know a lot of my coaches in the past have said all you can ask for is to be in the hunt in December. All we have to do is worry about ourselves and keep winning games. I think everything will work out."

Owens to start

Rookie Chris Owens nailed down the starting left cornerback job against Philadelphia with a strong effort against Tampa Bay.

"I thought he did very well," Smith said.

The Falcons played all four cornerbacks but when Tye Hill and Brent Grimes were on the field, the Bucs moved the ball through the air.

Hill was beaten in coverage on Antonio Bryant's 42-yard touchdown pass.

"We wanted to get guys in and rotate them," coach Mike Smith said. "After getting the four guys through the rotation, we wanted to stick with Chris Houston and Christopher Owens."

It won't take long for Philadelphia quarterback Donovan McNabb to find Owens' side of the field.

"He got thrown into the fire this past week, in terms of having to face Antonio Bryant and Mark Clayton," Smith said.