Falcons Blown Out by Saints, Miss Playoffs for Sixth Straight Season

All eyes now turn to Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank's decision on the job status of coach Arthur Smith.

The Atlanta Falcons (7-10) suffered a blowout defeat to wrap their season, falling 48-17 to the New Orleans Saints (9-8) on Sunday afternoon inside Caesars Superdome.

Atlanta's defeat marks its fourth in its last five games, leading to a sixth-consecutive season without a playoff appearance.

The Falcons entered the day needing a victory paired with a Tampa Bay Buccaneers loss to the Carolina Panthers - and received neither.

The Buccaneers took a 9-0 victory, clinching the NFC South title halfway through the fourth quarter of Atlanta's loss.

With this 31-point defeat, the Falcons have suffered their two biggest losses of the season in the past two weeks, fresh off a 37-17 loss to the Chicago Bears last Sunday.

Atlanta's been outscored 85-34 in its last eight quarters.

Jan 7, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (22) reacts to making first down catch against Atlanta Falcons cornerback Clark Phillips III (34) during the first half at Caesars Superdome / Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

The Falcons were outscored 31-0 in the second half, featuring three turnovers - one interception apiece from quarterbacks Desmond Ridder and Logan Woodside - and a fumbled snap amidst miscommunication from Ridder and center Ryan Neuzil.

Ridder received the start at quarterback in place of Taylor Heinicke, who was inactive with a left ankle injury, and completed 22 of 30 passes for 291 yards, two touchdowns and the lone interception.

Defensively, Atlanta allowed four touchdowns from New Orleans as quarterback Derek Carr went 22 of 28 for 264 yards and four touchdowns.

Buccaneers Win vs. Panthers Eliminates Falcons From Playoffs

The Saints now await their fate in the afternoon slot, as they can still make the playoffs if both the Green Bay Packers and Seattle Seahawks lose.

As for the Falcons, they finish 7-10 and will hold the No. 8 overall pick in April's draft for the third consecutive season.