I would sooner skygammon a goat than root for the Bucs to win the division. Unless the Falcons’ playoff hopes hang in the balance, put me down for the Panthers.

But I will probably root for the Panthers. What really really really really really really sucks is watching the end of both of their games yesterday, both games that both teams should have lost but somehow won. So frustrating. Stupid Drew Brees throwing 2 INTs in the final 2 minutes. Stupid Aaron Rodgers. Stupid Ryan Grant. Stupid Packers defense giving up 2 50-yard Steve Smith completions in the final 2 minutes. Why couldn’t we have gotten both of those? It would have been so sweet. and we’d be tied right f’ing now. Irritating.

I’m looking at more than just the division. There is another way into the playoffs. Taking the wild card into consideration, it would probably be best if Tampa won. If the Falcons take care of business on Sunday, they will be tied for the division lead with somebody. The Bucs have a better division and conference record than the Panthers. We are closer to the Panthers in those tiebreakers than we are the Bucs, so the Bucs taking out the Panthers would help the Falcons in the wild card chase. Since one team has to win, it may as well be the one that helps the Falcons in the most ways.

Of course, I am not beyond rooting for a series of smallish, not very serious injuries on the Bucs side. Just enough to keep any players who may be hurt out for a week or so. And (not that I am overlooking the Saints, just planning ahead), I like the fact that Tampa has to go to Carolina on a Monday and have a short week before coming to the Dome. Every little bit helps.

fyi… so that may strengthen those bucs for the stretch run.

The good news is that Dallas has a BRUTAL schedule from here on out.

Redskins, Eagles, Bears are all “still alive” but I think are unlikely contenders. ’Skins are sliding backwards, Eagles tie will probably hurt them, and the Bears, well they might make a push.

The goal is going to be 11-5. That’s a sure fire playoff berth, IMO. I think if you can’t get past 10-6, you’re going to rely on tiebreakers, which are working for us now, but aren’t guaranteed for the future.

…with which we should be most concerned are Dallas (tied with them, but have tiebreaker due to conference win pct.) and Minnesota, Washington and Arizona (all 1 game behind).

A win in our matchup with Minnesota puts them 2 games back, with 1 more conference loss than the Falcons. To make that up in the remaining 3 games, they’d have to win out and the Falcons would have to lose all 3. Beating the Vikes will essentially ensure that they can not catch the Birds.

But I’d rather just win out. I’d love to win the division and get home-field, but the road doesn’t scare me one bit. These boys just want to play some football. They’ll come to your house and beat you if they have to.

Just came over from CSR, but I must be missing something. The winner of the Tampa/Carolina game will be 10-3 and the losing team will be 9-4. If the Falcons win, you will be 9-4. Tied for second in the division not the the division lead. Did I miss something?

But your point and question are still valid and still have to congratulate you guys for the season and team you have put together.

If it wasn’t for an annoying Falcons fan in the office I work in, I would probably pull for you guys to win the division, after the Panthers of course.

I am going to be a huge Steelers fan on Sunday

Pulling for Tampa Bay, for almost any reason, is just WRONG to me. They’re like the Neidermeyers or Marmalards that we love to hate. Plus, the Falcons have proven they can beat Carolina. If we face one of the two in the postseason, I’d rather it be the boys from Charlotte right now.

I would be very very happy to see just 3 more wins… even if we don’t take the wild card… even if we don’t see the playoffs.

11-5 rubs it in everybody’s face that Matt Ryan leads the Atlanta Falcons better than Vick (his best season being 10-6) ever did.