ATLANTA (AP) — The Atlanta Falcons are back in first place in the NFC South and again in control of their playoff hopes.
Rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. showed the poise in his first NFL start the Falcons will need to take advantage of their opportunity to end a six-year playoff drought.
Powered by a big-play defense that produced two pick-6s, a solid starting debut by Penix and two rushing touchdowns by Bijan Robinson, the Falcons cruised past the hapless New York Giants 34-7 on Sunday.
On Sunday night, the Falcons (8-7) received the assist they needed when Tampa Bay lost at Dallas. Because the Falcons swept the Buccaneers, they hold the tiebreaker advantage if they remain tied atop the division.
The Falcons have games remaining at Washington on Sunday night and at home against Carolina to close the regular season. If Atlanta wins both games, it would win the division and have a home playoff game.