Atlanta Falcons feel there's plenty of incentive to win season finale

Falcons can finish 9-7 with win, out of playoff contention

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) runs after a catch against Carolina Panthers middle linebacker Luke Kuechly (59) during the first half of the game Dec. 27 in Atlanta. - photo by John Bazemore | Associated Press

0103Falcons — Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) runs after a catch against Carolina Panthers middle linebacker Luke Kuechly (59) during the first half of the game Dec. 27 in Atlanta. - photo by John Bazemore | Associated Press

There are some obvious reasons why Sunday’s game between New Orleans and Atlanta teams eliminated from playoff contention still has meaning. The Saints (6-9) want to save coach Sean Payton from his first 10-loss season. The Falcons (8-7) want to give first-year coach Dan Quinn a winning record.

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