12 Teams That Will Make The NFL Playoffs This Year And Why

11. Atlanta Falcons

NFL: NFC Championship-San Francisco 49ers at Atlanta FalconsPlayers to Watch: Matt Ryan, Steven Jackson, Julio Jones, Roddy White, Osi Umenyiora, Asante Samuel I wanted so badly to place the Falcons at the top of the NFC, but, because of their struggling defense and lack of depth, they fell to number two. Offensively, Matt Ryan and the best receiving duo in the NFL could should easily lead the NFL in passing offense. However, there is nothing but speculation about their running game this year. Of course, Atlanta released Michael Turner and acquired the potentially electrifying and punishing Steven Jackson. What remains to be seen, though, is whether Jackson will fit in with this offense. He has struggled mightily the past few seasons and may have hit rock bottom in his career. I anticipate seeing a major comeback season from the young RB, and as long as the ATL defense can provide the necessary stops and big plays needed to win in the NFL, the Falcons should finish 12-4 and second in the NFC.
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Hello there! I'm a graduate of FGCU (A.K.A. Dunk City!) I'm currently working on an M.A. in English Literature at Hofstra University. I'd like to eventually pursue either a M.S. in Business Administration or a Ph.D in Old English and Medieval Literature. I do thoroughly enjoy studying Old English for some mysterious reason. In my spare time, I try to keep up with well over a dozen television shows simultaneously, I frequent the local theaters, and I am an avid sports or FPS video gamer. Some of my favorite TV shows include: Dexter, The Office, X-Files, Homeland, and The Sopranos. Some of my favorite films include: The Usual Suspects, Donnie Darko, American Beauty, Fight Club, and Goodfellas. Feel free to follow me on Twitter @ndesalvo29 or e-mail any inquiries to ndesalvo29@gmail.com. Thanks for reading!