What happened: The Atlanta Falcons sit at 3-6 through nine games yet remain one game out of first place in the NFC South. The standing keeps the club in contention for a division crown despite having dropped two straight contests.

Why it matters: A division title would snap a playoff drought dating back nine years, the last time the franchise reached postseason play. The tightly packed divisional race keeps Atlanta viable even after the front office pivoted toward future assets by trading safety Jessie Bates to Jacksonville.

What to watch: Atlanta enters the second half of the schedule needing a turnaround to stay in the postseason picture. The defense will also recalibrate its secondary in upcoming divisional action.