ESPN released its Football Power Index ratings, along with estimated win totals and percent likelihood for winning the division and making the playoffs for the Falcons and the other 31 teams.
According to the ratings, the Falcons have a 59.1% chance of making the playoffs, which is the fourth-highest percentage in the NFC -- behind the Seahawks (83.5%), Packers (73.9%) and Cowboys (63.2%) -- and sixth-highest in the NFL, trailing the Patriots (96.2%) and Steelers (75.9%).
The FPI makes the Falcons the NFC South favorites, though not overwhelmingly. It estimates the Falcons for 9.3 wins, with the Carolina Panthers slated for 8.8. It gives Atlanta a 40.3% chance of winning the division, while Carolina has a 28.8% chance. The Saints (16.5%) and Buccaneers (14.3%) trail behind.
As far as the Super Bowl goes, the FPI gives the Falcons a 12.5% chance of returning to the big game, and a 5.2% chance of being victorious this time. Those are the sixth-best odds in the NFL and fourth-best among NFC teams. The Patriots are at 50.7% to return to the Super Bowl, and 34.7% to repeat as champs.
