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After staying alive in the NFC playoff picture following their win over the Detroit Lions, the Atlanta Falcons now turn their attention to another key test as they will clash with the Buffalo Bills in Week 17.
The Falcons made it quite nerve-wracking for their home fans in Week 16, but in the end, a late interception hauled in by linebacker Foyesade Oluokun put an end to the Lions' bid at another upset result in the NFL regular season.
For more insight on the Falcons' Week 17 matchup against the Bills, listen below:
On the other side, the Bills orchestrated arguably the biggest statement win of their campaign in Week 16 with the pivotal road victory over the New England Patriots. The Patriots defense did not have much of an answer for Bills quarterback Josh Allen both in the air and on the ground, as the fourth-year passer notched a trio of passing touchdowns and combined for 378 total yards.
Both the Bills and Falcons come into Week 17 with plenty to play for at this point in the campaign. The Bills need a win to maintain their standing at the top of the AFC East, while the Falcons at the least have to secure a victory in order to remain in contention for a wild-card spot in the NFC.
In what should be a game to watch in Week 17, here is what may end up coming to fruition for the Falcons in their final road contest of the season.
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Falcons Week 17 predictions
4. Matt Ryan ends his two-passing touchdowns drought
The last time that Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan recorded at least two touchdown passes in a game came in Week 9 against the New Orleans Saints, as he led the team to a crucial win over an NFC South rival.
Since then, not much has gone Ryan’s way in the passing touchdowns department. The one-time NFL MVP winner has racked up a total of four touchdown passes in the Falcons' last seven games, which include the key red zone pass to tight end Hayden Hurst against the Lions that wound up being the game-winner for Atlanta.
Ryan should snap his two-passing touchdowns drought this week, which would then give his team a fighting chance against the current AFC East leaders.
3. Falcons offensive line keeps Ryan’s jersey clean
As was the case over the past couple of seasons, Ryan has hit the turf quite a bit in his 14th campaign in the league. Overall, he has been sacked 32 times so far in the season, as he is one of 13 quarterbacks who have been taken to the ground at least 30 times in the year.
As of late, the Falcons offensive line has had its fair of struggles in keeping the pocket clean for Ryan. The four-time Pro Bowler has been sacked an astounding 11 times in the Falcons’ last four games.
At the least, Ryan should get much-needed help from his offensive line this week, especially as Atlanta will clash with a Bills team that has faced dire difficulties of its own in getting to opposing quarterbacks due to its 28 sacks recorded in 15 games this season.
2. A.J. Terrell wins the battle against Bills wide receiver Stefon Diggs
Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell has so far matched up against some of the league’s most potent wideouts in his second year with the team, and he is now very likely set for an arduous duel in Week 17 with Bills wide receiver Stefon Diggs.
Overall, Terrell has not allowed at least 50 yards to any receiver so far in the campaign. The most receiving yards that he has given up this year is 45, which came to Carolina Panthers wideout Robby Anderson in Week 14.
Whether it will be covering slants down the middle or deep passes out wide, Terrell must keep a close watch on Diggs over the course of the game. Not only is Diggs among the more versatile route-runners in the league, but he also has what it takes to haul in big yard plays.
1. Falcons get eliminated from playoff contention with a loss to the Bills
The Falcons have made it quite intriguing as of late in regard to their playoff odds in the NFC. Still, their bid at a possible return to the playoffs should come to an end in Week 17 with a defeat to the Allen-led Bills.
At the least, the Falcons should put up a grand fight against a Bills team that well has what it takes to make another run to the AFC Championship game.
