Atlanta Falcons Making Surprise Push For Playoff Spot

ATLANTA (AP) - The Atlanta Falcons are surprise playoff contenders. And first-year coach Mike Smith says the last four games of the regular season should be fun.

The Falcons showed strong balance in their 22-16 win over San Diego on Sunday. Former Chargers backup Michael Turner had 120 yards rushing in his return to San Diego. Rookie quarterback Matt Ryan completed 17 of 23 passes for 207 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions.

Atlanta’s defense held two-time defending NFL rushing champion LaDainian Tomlinson to 24 yards on 14 carries, the second-lowest total of his career.

The Falcons, who visit New Orleans on Sunday, are third in the tough NFC South, one game behind Carolina and Tampa Bay.

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