Pivotal Homestand Upcoming for Atlanta

Ryan Hopkins
Updated
Sep 11, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; A U.S. flag is shown during the national anthem prior to the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 11, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; A U.S. flag is shown during the national anthem prior to the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

After spending a few weeks on the west coast, the Atlanta Falcons finally return to the Georgia Dome to face off against the San Diego Chargers. Luckily, they’ll get another home game right afterwards against the Green Bay Packers. Both teams have exhibited struggles early on and the Falcons can take a huge step in this season’s success with a couple victories.

The trickiest thing is that both of these teams will be coming off of Thursday night games before facing Atlanta, meaning each will have ten days of rest prior to the matchup. This gives them more time to prepare and watch film on the Falcons in the meantime. Atlanta does have home field advantage and will need to seize this moment for a commanding lead in the NFC south.

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For the rest of the NFC south, schedules appear to be getting more difficult down the stretch. Carolina has a bye this week, meaning they can’t win a game, but they face the Arizona Cardinals in Week Eight. Tampa Bay battles San Francisco and Oakland in consecutive weeks, while New Orleans has games with both the Chiefs and Seahawks.

All of this being said, Atlanta has an opportunity to take a big lead in the division. They already maintain a 1.5 game lead following a difficult road stretch and now that their schedule mellows out, it will be pivotal for the division rankings. If the Falcons continue to play well and can win at least three of four before their bye week, this team will be on the right track for a playoff berth.

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