The Falcons and the Jaguars are two disappointing football teams a mere 7 days away from their respective off-seasons. If that one-line description of today’s matchup doesn’t rev up your engine, then ... well then, fair enough. But these games must be played, or so we’re told.

So where do the Falcons stand headed into their Week 16 matchup against the Jaguars?

Injuries

Isaiah Oliver has been a full participant in practice all week, suggesting his shoulder is on the mend. Younghoe Koo has been a full participant in practice since Thursday, suggesting his non-kicking (left) foot is on the mend.

James Carpenter is headed for IR, and the Falcons plan to give Wes Schweitzer the start at left guard. Either Matt Gono spit in Dan Quinn’s Wheaties or Quinn’s obsession with Schweitzer has reached a fever pitch; either way Carpenter’s season is over and his future as the Falcons left guard is dubious at best.

Jamon Brown (illness) missed practice Wednesday and Thursday and was a limited participant in practice Friday, so don’t bank on him playing. Ty Sambrailo (hamstring) was a full participant in practice Friday, so he should be good to go.

Standings

News flash: the Falcons cannot make the playoffs. At 5-9, the Falcons are currently in 3rd place in the NFC South. In second place are the surging Buccaneers at 7-7; they’ve won their last 4 games. At 11-3, the Saints have already clinched the NFC South crown and will look to lock in a high playoff seed over the last 2 weeks of the regular season.

Remember, if the Falcons win out and the Buccaneers lose their last 2 games, the Falcons will finish their season in a two-way tie for second place in the NFC South. If that doesn’t get you excited for next season, then nothing will!

Your thoughts, Falcoholics?