Falcons playoff chances plummet following a disastrous loss to the Bucs

The Falcons had a golden opportunity to take real control of the NFC South on Sunday. Instead, they were shut out in an ugly effort against the Bucs that saw Michael Penix Jr. throw four interceptions and the defense surrender 324 yards on the ground.

With the Panthers also losing to the Packers on Thursday, Atlanta might not have lost any ground in the division. But it missed a chance to knock Tampa Bay essentially out of the race, and now it’s anybody’s ballgame with half a season left to play.

According to the oddsmakers, the Bucs are now slight favorites to win the division.

NFC South Odds (Via ESPN)

• Tampa Bay Bucs (+184)
• Carolina Panthers (+200)
• Atlanta Falcons (+265)
• New Orleans Saints (+660)

—

Sunday’s loss was the kind of performance that makes you question everything about where the Falcons are headed. A week ago, Michael Penix Jr. was the player of the week and Atlanta handed the San Francisco 49ers their first loss of the season.

Then Penix followed it up with four interceptions against just eight completions. Kevin Stefanski looked completely outmatched by Todd Bowles, and Atlanta was dominated on both sides of the line of scrimmage in a divisional game that should have had all of its focus.

The Falcons didn’t look like they belonged on the same field as the Bucs, yet the odds reflect what is still very much a live three-way race — one set to have plenty more twists and turns along the way. That’s the nature of the NFL, but Atlanta’s biggest issue may be the path in front of them.

The Falcons travel to Madrid this week to take on the Bengals, then face the Chiefs at home before their bye. After the bye come matchups with the Vikings and Lions. If they can avoid a complete implosion over the next month or so, the schedule is pretty gettable down the stretch, featuring three divisional games along with meetings against the Commanders and Browns.

It’s doable, but you have to think the Falcons need to muster a couple of upsets over the next month. The good news: that’s been one of their specialties over the last several years. They love surprising the world when nobody’s expecting it.

—

Photo: IMAGO / Newscom World