Oddsmakers put the Atlanta Falcons’ chances to make the playoffs in 2019 at about 37%.
Considering six teams from each conference make the postseason — and under the current list of favorites (below) they fall ninth — those aren't the greatest odds.
With a number of key injuries, Atlanta went 7-9 and missed the playoffs in 2018 (for the first time since the 2015 season).
Before Matt Ryan's arrival in Atlanta in 2008, the Falcons had never made back-to-back playoff appearances. With Ryan they've missed the playoffs in consecutive years only once (2013-15). Ryan — 4-6 in the postseason — earned league MVP honors in their 2016 Super Bowl season.
The over/under win prediction for Atlanta sits at 9 for this season. After the draft, Atlanta's Super Bowl adds didn't improve from their middle-of-the-pack 33/1.
The Falcons, however, can change theirs and some of the other NFC teams' fortunes. Atlanta will face five of the leading playoff contenders — the Eagles, Rams, Saints, Seahawks and Vikings. One more thing about the Falcons' 2019 schedule to consider, Atlanta will play 13 games in domed or retractable-roof stadiums. Their first excursion outdoors is in Week 10 (Nov. 17) at Carolina.
NFC teams’ playoff chances
New Orleans Saints - 71.8% chance
Los Angles Rams - 71.8% chance
Philadelphia Eagles - 63.4% chance
Green Bay Packers - 52% chance
Chicago Bears - 55.1% chance
Minnesota Vikings - 41.3% chance
Dallas Cowboys - 46.9% chance
Seattle Seahawks - 39.8% chance
Atlanta Falcons - 36.6% chance
Carolina Panthers - 29.4% chance
San Francisco 49ers - 31.6% chance
Detroit Lions - 18.9% chance
Tampa Bay Buccaneers - 18.9% chance
New York Giants - 15.8% chance
Washington Redskins 15.8% chance
Arizona Cardinals - 9.5% chance
If the Falcons do reach and win the Super Bowl, they’ll correct one serious wrong. Atlanta’s NFL franchise remains among the oldest in sports yet to hoist a championship trophy.
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