Playoffs? 5 things to know about the Falcons

Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle Geno Atkins sacks Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan during the first half Sunday, Sept 30, 2018, in Atlanta.

Credit: ccompton@ajc.com

Credit: ccompton@ajc.com

Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle Geno Atkins sacks Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan during the first half Sunday, Sept 30, 2018, in Atlanta.

The Atlanta Falcons return home Sunday to face division rival Tampa Bay. The Falcons, who have won three straight against the Bucs, opened at 3.5-point favorites. Five things to know about the Falcons this week:

Playoffs? Yeah, playoffs

The Falcons are 1-4 and, believe it or not, just one game out of a playoff spot in the NFC. As of now, the Buccaneers would be the sixth seed at 2-2, and hold a wild card spot. The Falcons host the Buccaneers on Sunday. Behind the top two – Rams (5-0) and Saints (4-1) – are the Bears (3-1), Redskins (2-2) and Panthers (3-1) in playoff position.

Defensive ranking

The Falcons defense is ranked No. 28 in the NFL, allowing 398.6 yards per game.

Protecting Matt Ryan

Falcons quarterbacks have been sacked 16 times (tied for eighth in league) and hit 40 times (third), according to league statistics. Matt Ryan was sacked six times last week against the Steelers.

Jonesin’ for Julio

Julio Jones is third in the NFL in receiving yards with 564. The wide receiver is 30 yards behind leader DeAndre Hopkins.

The roster

The Falcons first injury report of the week will be released Wednesday and may shed some insight into the availability of defensive tackle Grady Jarrett, who missed last week’s loss to the Steelers.