Inside the Iggles
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NFC Wild Card: Looking at potential opponents for the Eagles

By Justin Grasso

CHARLOTTE, NC - OCTOBER 12: Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers stretches for the goal line against the Philadelphia Eagles in the fourth quarter during their game at Bank of America Stadium on October 12, 2017 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC - OCTOBER 12: Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers stretches for the goal line against the Philadelphia Eagles in the fourth quarter during their game at Bank of America Stadium on October 12, 2017 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
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ATLANTA, GA – DECEMBER 31: Matt Ryan
ATLANTA, GA – DECEMBER 31: Matt Ryan /

Atlanta Falcons

After what was and will forever be recognized as one of the biggest collapses in Super Bowl history, the Atlanta Falcons are back for revenge. Only this time they are viewed as the underdogs rather than the team to beat. Just last week the Falcons squeezed their way into the Wild Card round of the playoffs, giving them the sixth seed. They will take on the Los Angeles Rams in sunny California this Saturday.

If the Falcons somehow do upset the Rams, then Sunday’s game between the Saints and the Panthers would no longer be relevant to the Eagles. The Falcons would be heading into Philly for the first time since last season. Despite the Falcons winning the NFC in 2016, the Eagles were one of five teams to defeat the dirty birds last year.

Now at 10-6, the Falcons will have to prove themselves after a very up-and-down season. While they have solid talent on both sides of the ball, the Falcons are in no way dominant on either side. At times they may emulate their 2016 team, but that has not been the case very often.

It’s a long shot…

The Falcons are facing a well-oiled machine of an offense in the Rams this week. A rested Todd Gurley and Jard Goff could issue some major problems for Atlanta’s defense. Take it from the Eagles who allowed 35 points to the Rams a few weeks back as one of the best defenses in the league when it comes to point totals.

Next: Is it time for the Eagles to send Torrey Smith to the bench?

Anything can happen in the NFL, but the Rams will be looked at as the heavy favorite going into this one. If somehow the Falcons can pull out the upset, the Eagles could be looking at what would be their best shot of advancing to the NFC Championship. Don’t ever doubt the underdog, though. If Atlanta starts to heat up and look anything like how they did late in 2016, it could be a scary sight for the NFC. Are they plotting revenge? Of course. But there is no telling if they will get it. Having to play multiple games on the road is never easy. Especially if that road leads to Philadelphia.

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