Falcons vs. 49ers: Where do the Falcons stand as Week 15 looms?

What a time to be a Falcons fan! There’s no telling where this franchise is headed. In a matter of weeks, both general manager Thomas Dimitroff and head coach Dan Quinn could find themselves in the unemployment line. But that unfortunately doesn’t mean the Falcons don’t have to play the surging, Kyle Shanahan-led 49ers tomorrow. And, well ... it might get ugly.

Let’s a take quick look at the state of the franchise headed into Week 15.

Injuries

Julio Jones (shoulder) and Devonta Freeman (knee) were full participants in practice yesterday, which is fantastic news for everyone who didn’t want to see Russell Gage trotted out as the WR1 or Brian Hill as the RB1.

Allen Bailey (personal matter) and James Carpenter (concussion) did not travel with the team to San Francisco. Ty Sambrailo (hamstring) travelled but has been ruled out.

It’s worth keeping a close eye on Isaiah Oliver’s status. The second year cornerback is “questionable” with a shoulder injury. Given Desmond Trufant’s season-ending injury last weekend, the Falcons would be scary thin in the secondary if he can’t go.

Standings

Yikes. That’s the best word to describe this situation. The Falcons are still dead last in the NFC South at 4-9. The Saints, at 10-3, have already secured the division crown.

The Falcons can still theoretically finish 2nd in the NFC South, believe it or not. The Panthers are currently in 3rd place at 5-8. The Buccaneers are currently in 2nd place at 6-7. If you’d like to see the Falcons finish 2nd in the division, a couple of wins down the stretch coupled with some Panthers and Buccaneers losses could make that Christmas dream come true. So, in short, there’s something to play for! Huzzah!

Your thoughts, Falcoholics?