Atlanta Falcons

Will the Falcons win the NFC South?

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

foxsports

Despite the Atlanta Falcons’ early season success, the team hasn’t run away with the division just yet as three extremely hungry teams are running behind, fighting to knock the Falcon’s off of the NFC South throne. Will the Falcons falter or will they sustain their position, taking home the esteemed crown?

Last Sunday, the Atlanta Falcons suffered a tough loss against the Philadelphia Eagles. It was a loss Atlanta and the team’s fans yearn to crumble up, throw away, and maybe even burn the trash can.

A loss like this is typically threatening in a tightening divisional race, but the Denver Broncos were completely generous and forgiving, and bailed the Falcons out by beating the Saints who were scratching at Atlanta’s heels.

How nice of them. Because of them, the Falcons still secure a little bit of cushion with a 1.5 game lead despite a loss in Philadelphia. Now, onto the future. In order to determine who has the upper hand during this last slate of games, let’s look at each team’s remaining schedule.

Oct 2, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman (24) scores a rushing touchdown against Carolina Panthers outside linebacker Shaq Green-Thompson (54) in the first quarter of their game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

Atlanta Falcons Remaining Schedule:

Bye Week, vs. Cardinals, vs. Chiefs, at Rams, vs. 49ers, at Panthers, vs. Saints

The Falcons certainly have the easiest remaining schedule of the four divisional teams and hold a current 3-1 division record which is essential in case of a tied record within the division. The Falcons only have two home games following their bye week in which they should be healthy and rejuvenated.

Carolina Panthers Remaining Schedule:

vs. Saints, at Raiders, at Seahawks, vs. Chargers, at Redskins, vs. Falcons, vs. Buccaneers

The Panthers may have already dug their hole too deep. The hole certainly might expand with tough road games against the Raiders, Seahawks, and Redskins as well as three divisional games in which the Panthers are currently 0-3. The Panthers are trending upward, but their hole may be too deep.

New Orleans Saints Remaining Schedule:

at Panthers, vs. Rams, vs. Lions, at Buccaneers, at Cardinals, vs. Buccaneers, at Atlanta

I would have to say the Saints have the second-easiest schedule down the stretch; however, games against the Lions and away against Cardinals will keep things a bit rocky. The Saints also have four division games which can certainly go either way. Four road games will be tough in pursuit of a team that only has two wins on the road so far this season.

Tampa Bay Buccaneer’s Remaining Schedule:

at Chiefs, vs. Seahawks, at Chargers, vs. Saints, at Cowboys, at Saints, vs. Carolina

Let’s face it. I’d rather eat a shoe than play Tampa’s remaining schedule. This looks rougher than trying to fight Bane after being run over by the Batmobile. This alone will keep them out of division contention as their schedule is way too hectic in itself. Good luck, Tampa.

Sep 11, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Mohamed Sanu (12) celebrates with quarterback Matt Ryan (2) after a touchdown pass in the first quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

Predicted NFC South Winner: Atlanta Falcons

And we have a winner! The NFC South is the Falcons to lose. Their schedule is simply the easiest of the group, and they will come out of the bye seeking vengeance on their upcoming prey. The Saints may keep it close, but the Falcons will finish at least two games up in the division, winning back the crown from the current three-time NFC South Champion Carolina Panthers.