Falcons clinch top seed with 31-18 win over Lions

Atlanta earns home-field edge throughout playoffs with 13th win

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Roddy White, defended by Detroit Lions cornerback Chris Houston (23) catches a 44-yard pass before running into the end zone for a touchdown during the first quarter Saturday at Ford Field in Detroit. - photo by Rick Osentoski

Falcons Lions Footbal Albe — Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Roddy White, defended by Detroit Lions cornerback Chris Houston (23) catches a 44-yard pass before running into the end zone for a touchdown during the first quarter Saturday at Ford Field in Detroit. - photo by Rick Osentoski

DETROIT — Matt Ryan got what he wanted, helping the Atlanta Falcons win a game they needed to earn home-field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs. Calvin Johnson had to settle for having a record-breaking night in yet another Detroit loss. Ryan matched a career high with four touchdown passes, two to Roddy White, and Atlanta led from start to finish in a 31-18 victory over the Lions on Saturday night.

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