New Orleans Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan, left, sacks Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) on third down, forcing a punt, during the third quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 24, 2017, in New Orleans. (Curtis Compton/Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP)It’s so simple, this formula that both the Atlanta Falcons and Tennessee Titans must follow on New Year’s Eve to assure themselves spots in the NFL playoffs.
Just win, baby. That’s all it takes.
Let the Falcons beat the visiting Carolina Panthers on Sunday afternoon inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium and they’re back in the NFC playoffs attempting to avenge last season’s Super Bowl collapse against New England. Let the Titans defeat visiting Jacksonville at Nissan Stadium and they’ll reach the postseason for the first time since the 2008 schedule.
With both kickoffs set for 4:25 EST, expect television remote controls throughout the Tennessee Valley and northern Georgia to be working overtime.
But which team should win? Should they both reach the postseason? And if they do, which team has a greater chance to advance?