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New York Giants Come In Middle Of The Pack In Playoff Power Rankings

By Kenneth Teape

Jan 1, 2017; Landover, MD, USA; New York Giants head coach Ben McAdoo on the sidelines against the Washington Redskins during the second half at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2017; Landover, MD, USA; New York Giants head coach Ben McAdoo on the sidelines against the Washington Redskins during the second half at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /
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New York Giants Come In Middle Of The Pack In Playoff Power Rankings
Jan 1, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Mohamed Sanu (12) reacts with wide receiver Julio Jones (11) and quarterback Matt Ryan (2) after catching a touchdown pass against the New Orleans Saints during the first half at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Atlanta Falcons

Could this be the year that the Falcons finally put it all together with Matt Ryan and make a postseason run? Throughout the regular season peopled waited for the other foot to drop on the Falcons but it never happened. As a result, they head into the playoffs with an 11-5 record and No.2 seed.

The offense is as explosive as ever in Atlanta this season. Ryan had an MVP caliber season throwing for 4,944 yards and 38 touchdowns to only seven interceptions. Julio Jones was a beast once again with 1,409 yards and six touchdowns despite missing two games and dealing with nagging injuries.

The running game is also strong for the Falcons. Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman are a strong one-two punch that can also get the job done in the passing game; Freeman and Coleman ranked fourth and fifth in receiving yards, respectively, on the team.

Atlanta finished fourth in the NFL in turnover differential as the offense had only 11 giveaways all season. The defense, though, still remains a bit of a problem.

The Falcons gave up 25.4 points per game, ranked 25th in the NFL. They gave up 371.2 yards per game, which also ranked 25th. They are middle of the pack in sacks with 34. Part of the struggles defensively can be the pace the offense plays at, as the defense has some players teams need to pay attention to.

Vic Beasley would top that list, as Beasley led the NFL with 15.5 sacks this season. Keanu Neal and Deion Jones also make for a solid safety combination as well.

The defense will never be the calling card for Atlanta, but when you have an offense they have it doesn’t have to be. This offense could carry Atlanta through the postseason.

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