The Atlanta Falcons are on a downward trend, struggling to maintain their division lead after losing their second straight game in Week 11. The Denver Broncos destroyed the Falcons in one game on Sunday, leaving Atlanta to 6-5 on the season.
Sunday's loss came a week after the Falcons lost to the New Orleans Saints. Not long ago, it looked like Atlanta was on the verge of pulling away with the division, but back-to-back losses have kept the rest of the NFC South alive heading into Week 12.
NFC South standings enter Week 12
| Pos | team | Record | Division record | Play back | Next opponent |
| 1 | Hawks | 6-5 | 4-1 | – | Bye |
| 2 | privateer | 4-6 | 1-2 | 2 | @Giants |
| 3 | Saints | 4-7 | 2-3 | 2 | Bye |
| 4 | Panthers | 3-7 | 1-2 | 3 | against Chiefs |
When the Tampa Bay Buccaneers play the New York Giants next week, they are expected to win and get within one game of Atlanta. However, the Falcons retain the tiebreaker because they beat the Buccaneers, giving them another big advantage moving forward.
The New Orleans Saints defeated the Cleveland Browns to improve to 4-7. It was the Saints' second straight win and they are half a game behind Tampa Bay in the standings.
At the end of the week, Atlanta's lead will be two to three games over its next division opponent. This includes the added tiebreaker. These are the benefits of getting the job done early against divisional opponents.
The Falcons will face the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 12 following their bye.