After Week 16, the pendulum swung slightly in favor of the Atlanta Falcons for the NFC South crown. However, the results of their primetime clash with the Washington Commanders could shift things back towards the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Atlanta’s Football on Sunday evenings The showdown against the Commanders at Northwest Stadium will give us clarity one way or another. Win, lose or draw, it will have a big impact on whether the Falcons or Buccaneers claim the spot in the division standings.

Here you will find out what is important in the important duel between the Falcons and the Commanders.

With a score of 8:7, the Falcons have the direct tiebreaker against the Bucs in their hands, which would mean a weak defeat if Washington beats them. In this scenario, Atlanta gives up the lead they recently snatched from the Bucs and lets Tampa Bay control their destiny.

If the Commanders prevail in Week 17, Tampa Bay will be back in the driver’s seat. The Bucs would have a chance to secure their fourth straight NFC South title. All they would have to do is triumph over a hapless New Orleans Saints team in the regular season finale.

Conversely, if the Falcons upset the Commanders on the road, their tenuous hold on the NFC South will remain. Then Atlanta will have to do business against an inferior Carolina Panthers team in Week 18 to stay in first place.

Things get interesting, however, when the Falcons invade Washington’s home and hunt them down. That opens up an opportunity for Atlanta and Tampa Bay to sneak into the top 7 while routing the Commanders.

If the Commanders lose and the Bucs/Falcons are on top, Washington is the underdog. Atlanta clinches supremacy in the NFC South, while Tampa Bay secures the NFC’s third and final Wild Card spot. While this is the most unlikely outcome, it is not entirely unimaginable.

Meanwhile, Washington enters the contest in a win-and-in situation. With a win over Atlanta, the Commanders will secure a postseason bid, giving them plenty of incentive to show up and shine in prime time. There are huge implications at stake for both sides – and the Bucs.