5 Things That Will Decide The Remainder Of The Falcons' Season

The Atlanta Falcons appear to the cruising towards the teams' first playoff berth in three seasons after a 5-0 start of the season, but we all know that nothing is guaranteed in the NFL. Here are the five things that will determine the rest of Atlanta's season:

5) Can the defense continue to play well?

New head coach Dan Quinn has quickly made his mark on Atlanta's defense, turning them from one of the league's worst units into an average one in just five games, which has done wonders for them on the field. The Falcons rank in the middle of the pack in points allowed per game, and while that isn't anything to write home about, it's enough to take pressure off their potent offense and allow them to flourish unabated. Even an average defense is more than enough to supplement this defense for a playoff run, and they need to keep that up throughout the season to be successful.

4) Matt Ryan-Julio Jones combo

Ryan has struggled at times but Atlanta's offense is still positioned as one of the best units in the league. He's averaging just under 300 passing yards per game and, while he only has six touchdown passes on the year, four of them have gone to Julio Jones. The two have been arguably the deadliest duo in the NFL for awhile now, and that's saying something in a league LOADED with skill position talent. Their dominance has added an element that opposing defenses can't stop, and Atlanta needs to keep it this way.

3) Fourth-quarter comebacks are nice, but...

Four of Atlanta's five wins have come thanks to fourth-quarter comebacks led by Matt Ryan, and while that gives them confidence that they can win every game they're in, they also won't be able to continue to rely on that. They need to start dominating teams earlier in games to truly take the next step into the NFL's elite.

2) Can they beat teams they should beat?

Being 5-0 is a great feat, but only one of those wins have come against a team with a winning record. However, they've managed to take care of their business to this point and will have to continue to do so this year with only four games left against teams currently above .500. As long as they avoid a few major upsets, the Falcons should be in position for a first-round bye in the postseason.

1) Continued dominance from Devonta Freeman

The sophomore back became the first running back since the NFL merger to rush for three touchdowns in each of his first two career starts and has the backbone of Atlanta's offense. He's racked up 405 yards and eight touchdowns so far this season, but 362 yards and seven touchdowns have come in the past three weeks. Freeman has finally given Atlanta's offense a weapon to balance out the passing attack, and the Falcons are reaping major benefits from it.