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The Atlanta Falcons have already plowed through the hardest part of their 2016 schedule, and while they’ve stumbled a handful of times along the way, they’re above .500 and in great position to push for the playoffs, as we’ve noted throughout the bye week. Now there’s six games left to go, and the Falcons are facing two NFC South teams and a grab bag of moderately difficult opponents.
Oh, and the 49ers. They’re terrible.
Let’s take a quick look at what’s left for the Falcons.
Falcons remaining schedule
Week 12: vs. Arizona Cardinals, 1 p.m. EST
Week 13: vs. Kansas City Chiefs, 1 p.m. EST
Week 14: @ Los Angeles Rams, 4:25 p.m. EST
Week 15: vs. San Francisco 49ers, 4:05 p.m. EST
Week 16: @ Carolina Panthers, 1 p.m. EST
Week 17: vs. New Orleans Saints, 1 p.m. EST
What you’ll notice here is that the Falcons have a pretty favorable final six games, all things considered. They’re at home for four of those games, including against three of their most difficult remaining opponents, with that West Coast road trip against the Rams and trip to Bank of America Stadium the only two road contests. They’re also facing a mediocre (if still dangerous) Cardinals team, a Chiefs team that has been fairly inept offensively, a Rams team that has been even more inept offensively, and a terrible 49ers squad. Unless the Panthers or Saints legitimately catch fire, I think expecting them to go .500 or better the rest of the way is extremely reasonable, and I’m personally projecting 4-2.
The greatest challenge for Atlanta will be overcoming their defensive woes, which will be made easier by the quality of offenses they’re facing, and staying healthy. It’s doable.
Where do you stand on the rest of the schedule?