The Falcons could be officially eliminated from the playoffs before they take the field Sunday against the New York Jets.

A victory by Dallas Saturday over New Orleans would knock the Falcons (6-7) out of the playoffs. The Cowboys would have a 9-5 record with two games remaining and, by virtue of their win over the Falcons in October, hold the tiebreaker if the Falcons won their final three games to finish 9-7.

The Saints (13-0) have clinched the NFC South and are the frontrunners for the conference's top seed. The Eagles (9-4), Vikings (11-2) and Cardinals (8-5) currently lead their divisions while the Packers (9-4) and Cowboys (8-5) currently hold the two wild-card berths.

The New York Giants (7-6) currently hold the seventh spot and are still in contention for a wild-card with the Eagles Falcons.

CURRENT NFC PLAYOFF PICTURE

1. Saints (13-0), NFC South champ

2. Vikings (11-2), NFC North leader

3. Eagles (9-4), NFC East leader

4. Cardinals (8-5), NFC West leader

5. Packers (9-4), Wild-card leader

6. Cowboys (8-5), Wild card

STILL IN HUNT

7. Giants (7-6)

8. Falcons (6-7)

9. Niners (6-7)

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Atlanta Falcons linebacker James Pearce Jr. returned to practice Thursday after suffering a groin injury. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

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Julian Conley listens during opening statements in his trial at Fulton County Superior Court in Atlanta on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025. The 25-year-old is accused of fatally shooting 8-year-old Secoriea Turner in July 2020. (Abbey Cutrer/AJC)

Credit: abbey.cutrer@ajc.com