NFL power rankings: Atlanta Falcons get slight bump after thrilling victory over New Orleans Saints

The Atlanta Falcons have a clear path to the playoffs and they’re focused on getting there. They may not be the most popular team in the league, and the trolls sure do love their “28-3” jokes. But despite all the speed bumps this team has navigated in 2017, they’re still in it. Today’s Tuesday - let’s break down the power rankings.

ESPN: 10th (same)

The Falcons' pass rush was dependent on Vic Beasley Jr. last year, but others are getting more involved, which has resulted in a sack rate up nearly two full percentage points from 2016. Most notable is veteran Adrian Clayborn, who at 29 years old has set a career high with 9.0 sacks.

CBS Sports: 9th (up one)

That might have been a season-saving interception by Deion Jones of Drew Brees late last week. If they win out, they win the division.

NFL.com: 10th (up one)

Sloppy game became a sloppy win, and that's A-okay for Atlanta. The Falcons desperately needed a W to stay ahead in the wild-card race -- at the least -- and to have any chance at the NFC South crown.

Yahoo Sports: 11th (up one)

Linebacker Deion Jones’ interception might have saved the Falcons’ season. Dan Quinn made a really bad decision to decline a holding penalty late in the game after a stop on third-and-1, and the Saints converted on fourth-and-1. Had the Saints won after that coaching decision, effectively knocking the Falcons out of the wild-card race? Whew.

USA Today: 8th (up two)

After starting 7-5 last season, they made it all the way to the Super Bowl. Atlanta hasn't, ahem, lost this year, either, since starting 7-5.

There you have it, Falcons fans. Not a lot of movement, but the Falcons are undoubtedly a top ten team. These last three games are more important than the preceding thirteen. Your thoughts?