How many games do the Falcons have to win to make the playoffs?

The Falcons are coming off a loss to the Buccaneers in a game that Atlanta really struggled in many facets during the second half. After beginning the game establishing the run, the Falcons offensive line was abysmal at protecting Matt Ryan and opening rush lanes. The veteran quarterback struggled at times, even when he had solid protection and the receivers created separation. Still, the lack of protection was apparent as it has been all season — Ryan’s been hit more times than any other quarterback. 

The Falcons have so many issues that it is difficult to pinpoint the most glaring ones. To start, Atlanta’s home-field advantage is nonexistent. They’ve lost every game in Mercedes-Benz Stadium this season and haven’t won at home since November of last year. Atlanta is technically 1-5 at home, but the lone victory came against the Jets in London, so Arthur Smith still hasn’t won his first game in front of a home crowd.

Even though they’ve struggled at home, the Falcons are still in the playoff hunt thanks to a cloudy NFC playoff picture as 12 of 16 teams have at least five wins. The Falcons’ chances are dwindling, but there is still a possibility that the team gets in. Arizona currently owns the No. 1 seed and is followed by Green Bay, Tampa Bay, and Dallas, while the wild-card teams are the Los Angeles Rams, Washington Football Team, and San Francisco 49ers. Philadelphia and Minnesota are a half-a-game out of the last wild-card spot, but Carolina, Atlanta, and New Orleans are all one game back.

It is a tough road for the Falcons to make the playoffs, and if trends continue, there’s no way this team deserves to be in the postseason. Currently sitting as the No. 11 seed, the Falcons will likely need to win four out of their final five games to have any shot. Their remaining schedule is at Panthers, at 49ers, vs. Lions, at Bills, vs. Saints. Atlanta will be betting underdogs in at least three of those — Carolina, San Francisco, and Buffalo — and possibly New Orleans, even though it will be at home. Taking care of the 49ers and Panthers will significantly improve their chances, but four wins will be the bottom line.

It is time to put up or shut up. Arthur Smith’s never-quit mentality and this team’s character will be put to the test; he knows his team controls their own destiny. “The truth is, we’re still in the mix,” Smith said. “We’ve got five games to go. There’s still a lot of football left. We’ll get back to work. We’ve seen a lot of improvement the last two weeks. We have to get ready to go because the opportunity is still there.”