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5 Opponents the Atlanta Falcons Need to Beat in 2015

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5 Opponents Atlanta Needs to Beat in 2015

Atlanta Falcons Defensive Lineman Tyson Jackson
Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

It’s hard to believe the Atlanta Falcons were hosting an NFC championship game just two years ago. The team that played then isn’t remarkably different than the team they field now, so is it just as hard to believe they can’t get back there soon? For starters, here’s five teams the Falcons must get through to even entertain that idea.

5. Indianapolis Colts

Indianapolis Colts Chuck Pagano Head Coach
Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

5. Indianapolis Colts

Indianapolis Colts Chuck Pagano Head Coach
Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

This should be the best AFC opponent the Falcons face in 2015. Taking it to the Colts will send a message league-wide, and provide a locker room cultural renaissance that’s been missing since 2012.

4. Philadelphia Eagles

LeSean Shady McCoy Philadelphia Eagles Running Back
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4. Philadelphia Eagles

LeSean Shady McCoy Philadelphia Eagles Running Back
Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

The Falcons have the NFC East interdivisional draw and I could’ve easily also added the New York Giants to this spot. I went with the Eagles because Chip Kelly, like the Falcons, have pressure riding on their potential in 2015.

3. Dallas Cowboys

Tony Romo Dallas Cowboys Quarterback NFC Playoffs
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3. Dallas Cowboys

Tony Romo Dallas Cowboys Quarterback NFC Playoffs
Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

If Tony Romo stays healthy and the Cowboys somehow keep both DeMarco Murray and Dez Bryant, then they’ll easily be Atlanta’s most important non-division conference foe. The fourth tie-breaker in determining playoff seeding is determined by conference record, so these games do carry some weight.

2. Carolina Panthers

Cam Newton Carolina Panthers Quarterback Play 60
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

2. Carolina Panthers

Cam Newton Carolina Panthers Quarterback Play 60
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Was it just me, or did Cam Newton grow a little bit in the playoffs? All of it seemed to happen right after the Panthers embarrassed the Falcons right out of the Georgia Dome. Atlanta will need to get over that terrible loss, and get through Carolina to succeed in 2015.

1. New Orleans Saints

New Orleans Saints Drew Brees quarterback
Derick E Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

1. New Orleans Saints

New Orleans Saints Drew Brees quarterback copy
Derick E Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Drew Brees and Sean Payton are always a tough out when they’re sharing a sideline. For the Falcons to find an upper niche in the NFC South, they’ll need to slow down the Saints in both domes and establish a divisional advantage.

Jerry Landry is a writer for RantSports. Like him on Facebook.
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