After briefly flirting with an NFC South division title, the Atlanta Falcons have officially missed the playoffs for the seventh year in a row. Nonetheless, the 2025 NFL season looks promising with Michael Penix Jr. starting at quarterback.

Atlanta's "17th opponent" was determined in the same fashion. The Colts will be Atlanta's fifth AFC opponent in 2025 because the AFC South is up next in the league's schedule rotation. The Falcons will face the Colts because they also finished second.

The Falcons' playoff scenario involves two things happening. Atlanta needs a win against the Carolina Panthers in the team's season finale. A loss to the Panthers would eliminate the Falcons from the NFL playoff picture.

The Falcons were once 6-3 behind Kirk Cousins, leaning on the quarterback's veteran expertise after signing him to a large contract in the offseason. Now, Atlanta is 8-8 entering Week 18, still fighting for a playoff spot with rookie Michael Penix Jr.

The Atlanta Falcons are well within reach of a postseason spot despite losing their Week 17 game against the Washington Commanders. The Falcons loss opened the door for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, which will win the NFC South should they secure victory against the New Orleans Saints.