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Analytics: Falcons doubled their chances of winning the NFC South

12/07/2017 -- Atlanta, GA, - Atlanta Falcons middle linebacker Deion Jones (45) celebrates after incepting the ball during the fourth quarter of the game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Thursday, December 7, 2017. The Falcons beat the Saints, 20-7. ALYSSA POINTER/ALYSSA.POINTER@AJC.COM

Credit: D. Orlando Ledbetter

Credit: D. Orlando Ledbetter

12/07/2017 -- Atlanta, GA, - Atlanta Falcons middle linebacker Deion Jones (45) celebrates after incepting the ball during the fourth quarter of the game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Thursday, December 7, 2017. The Falcons beat the Saints, 20-7. ALYSSA POINTER/ALYSSA.POINTER@AJC.COM
By
Dec 8, 2017

FLOWERY BRANCH  — With the 20-17 win over the Saints, the Falcons doubled their chances of winning the NFC South title.

Before the game, the Falcons an 11 percent chance of taking the title, according to the website makeNFLplayoffs.com . With the win, that increased to 23.3 percent.

The Falcons percentage of making the playoffs improved from 44.9 percent to 62.2 percent with the victory.

The playoff race is still wide open in the NFC. No teams have clinched and only three have been eliminated.

About the Author

Honored by the Pro Football Hall of Fame in recognition of his "long and distinguished reporting in the field of pro football," D. Orlando Ledbetter, Esq. has covered the NFL 28 seasons. A graduate of Howard University, he's a winner of Georgia Sportswriter of the Year and three Associated Press Sports Editor awards.

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