NFL Power Rankings, Week 8: Eagles collapse in fourth quarter during loss to Panthers

25. Atlanta Falcons (Play Monday Night)

Should the Atlanta Falcons consider Monday’s game against the New York Giants a must win when looking at their current position in the NFC South? After making the playoffs in each of the previous two seasons, the Falcons were one of the early favorites to make another run in the NFC, but if that streak is going to extend to three, they better figure out a way to get their act together.

It was one thing to see Atlanta lose four of their first five games, but when seeing how three of those losses happened to come by single digits, it makes this year even more frustrating to deal with. Defense has been a major issue for the Falcons from an overall perspective, and the unit could have their hands quite full Monday night when it comes to trying to keep both Saquon Barkley and Odell Beckham Jr. in check.

As for the offense, maybe Matt Ryan will finally figure out a way to find Julio Jones in the end zone for the first time in 2018 since it’s amazing to consider this is Week 7, and the wideout is still in search of that first score. Then again, when looking at some of the other weapons Ryan has to work with, including rookie Calvin Ridley, it makes this whole situation with Jones failing to find the end zone a little easier to accept.