NFL playoffs: Falcons clinch NFC South title

Atlanta Falcons tight end D.J. Tialavea (86) celebrates his touchdown pass reception from quarterback Matt Ryan during second-quarter action against the Carolina Panthers Saturday.

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Atlanta Falcons tight end D.J. Tialavea (86) celebrates his touchdown pass reception from quarterback Matt Ryan during second-quarter action against the Carolina Panthers Saturday.

The Falcons are kings of the NFC South.

With Saturday's win at Carolina, coupled with Tampa's loss in New Orleans, Atlanta clinched its first division title since 2012. The Falcons (10-5) will host New Orleans next Sunday in the final regular-season game at the Georgia Dome.

As division champs, they will host a playoff game either wild-card weekend (Jan. 7-8) or the divisional round (Jan. 14-15).