In a dramatic twist on the final day of the NFL regular season, the Atlanta Falcons played the role of kingmakers, defeating their arch-rivals the New Orleans Saints to hand the NFC South division title to the Carolina Panthers.
Alford's Decisive Play Seals Falcons' Win
The pivotal moment came late in the fourth quarter at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium. With the Saints trailing 16-10 and driving deep into Atlanta territory, cornerback Dee Alford intercepted a Tyler Shough pass intended for Dante Pettis in the red zone. Alford's 59-yard return to the New Orleans 27-yard line set up a 38-yard field goal from Zane Gonzalez, extending the Falcons' lead to nine points with just over three minutes remaining.
Although Shough connected with Ronnie Bell for a 16-yard touchdown with 1:11 left, the Falcons' Kyle Pitts recovered the ensuing onside kick to secure a 19-17 victory. The win completed a season sweep of the Saints, who finished with a disappointing 6-11 record.
Panthers Benefit from Falcons' Late Surge
The Falcons' triumph had major implications beyond their own campaign. By closing the season with four consecutive wins, Atlanta finished 8-9, creating a three-way tie for first place in the NFC South with Carolina and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Panthers claimed the division crown by virtue of holding the best record within the division, earning a home playoff game.
This outcome capped a remarkable late-season surge for the Falcons, who rallied from a mid-season slump to finish level on wins with the division champions.
Elsewhere in the NFL: Playoff Picture Finalised
Jacksonville Jaguars 41 - 7 Tennessee Titans
The Jacksonville Jaguars emphatically claimed the AFC South title with a record-breaking 41-7 demolition of the Tennessee Titans. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence threw three touchdown passes, breaking the franchise's single-season record for total scores. The Jaguars (13-4) have now won eight consecutive games and will host a playoff game next weekend.
New York Giants 34 - 17 Dallas Cowboys
The New York Giants ended a difficult season on a high note, beating the Dallas Cowboys 34-17. Rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart threw two touchdown passes in his 12th professional start. The Cowboys (7-9-1), with their playoff seeding already set, treated the game cautiously, pulling quarterback Dak Prescott at halftime.
Minnesota Vikings 16 - 3 Green Bay Packers
The Minnesota Vikings finished their season with a fifth straight win, beating a resting Green Bay Packers side 16-3. Green Bay, locked into the NFC's No. 7 seed, sat starting quarterback Jordan Love. Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson surpassed 100 receiving yards for the first time in 12 games, securing his sixth consecutive 1,000-yard season.
The results concluded a regular season full of surprises and set the stage for what promises to be a highly competitive NFL playoffs, with the Panthers unexpectedly topping the NFC South and the Jaguars emerging as one of the league's hottest teams.
