FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- Atlanta Falcons coach Dan Quinn never looks too far ahead, but staring him right in the face is the NFC South title with two division opponents to close out the season.
The 9-5 Falcons can win the division and make the playoffs for the first time since 2012 if they defeat the Carolina Panthers on the road Christmas Eve, and the 8-6 Tampa Bay Buccaneers lose at New Orleans the same day.
Of course, the Falcons would rather have it decided next weekend rather than have matters drag out into the season finale against the rival New Orleans Saints -- the final game at the Georgia Dome.