The Atlanta Falcons are hitting their stride and their timing is impeccable. They may have the NFL’s toughest remaining schedule, but this team has suffered through adversity several times this season. They aren’t easily fazed now and they don’t back down from a challenge. Pundits are finally starting to recognize the Falcons as a real threat, and it shows in this week’s power rankings. Let’s break them down.
Atlanta's specialty this season has been moving the chains. The Falcons have converted 48 percent of third downs, best in the NFL. It also would be the best by the Falcons since the 1999 team -- which made the Super Bowl -- converted 54 percent of third downs.