3 Ways The Atlanta Falcons Can Make The Playoffs

ATLANTA, GA — A year after winning the NFC and appearing in the Super Bowl, the Atlanta Falcons are fighting for their postseason lives in the last week of the NFL's regular season.

The 9-6 Falcons will take on division rivals the Carolina Panthers in a New Year's Eve contest that's been moved to Sunday at 4:25 p.m. At stake for the Falcons will be the NFC's sixth and final playoff spot.

The Philadelphia Eagles, Minnesota Vikings, New Orleans Saints, Los Angeles Rams and Carolina already have clinched the top five spots. Three scenarios on Sunday will get the Falcons into that sixth spot:

• Win against the Panthers
• Tie with the Panthers and the Seattle Seahawks lose or tie
• The Seahawks lose.

The 9-6 Seahawks play the 7-8 Arizona Cardinals.

The Panthers can still win the NFC South if they defeat the Falcons, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and the Saints lose to Tampa Bay.

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) passes in the second half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans, Sunday, Dec. 24, 2017. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)