Falcons eye playoff bye vs. beleaguered Lions

Published: Dec 19, 2012 at 08:39 AM

NFL.com and NFL Network reporter Ian Rapoport has his thoughts on the game:

Week 16 primer:
» Ranking games in order of intrigue

Why this game is intriguing: In a "Monday Night Football" game that's actually on Saturday night, what was supposed to be a prime-time battle with real playoff implications only matters for one team. The disappointing Detroit Lions host an Atlanta Falcons team that is one victory away from a playoff bye. Will Detroit's talented-but-flawed defense come together to stop one of the NFL's most explosive units just once? The Falcons proved their credentials by tormenting the Giants last week -- a statement win before the playoffs. If they can properly close it out, the Falcons will be in the best possible position for the postseason.

On Twitter:#ATLvsDET

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