NFC south.(NFL)(National Football Conference)

ATLANTA FALCONS PLAYOFF READINESS ****

PLAYOFF PROGNOSIS: The defense continues to prevent big plays with zone coverages, consistent pressure and an insistence on stuffing the run. RB Warrick Dunn's recent emergence makes the league's best rushing attack even better, and the return of RB T.J. Duckett improves the team's ability to convert short-yardage runs. But, of the wide receivers, only Brian Finneran runs consistently effective routes, and Vick alternates between forcing passes to struggling WR Peerless Price and ignoring him altogether. Vick usually struggles to find targets unless he rolls out. When he stays too long in the pocket, he tends to fumble or make poor throws. Because he moves around so much, Vick is hard to protect and is prone to getting sacked, He must settle down and give his receivers time to get open. FINAL GRADES: Offense: B. A weak passing attack could make the team too one-dimensional. Defense: B-. If healthy, the team is stronger against the run. Special teams: C+. K Jay Feely was hot early but is too cold now to inspire confidence. Coaching: A-, Jim Mora is a strength.--George Henry

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

OFFSEASON GAME PLAN: Coach Jim Haslett is expected to make a power play for more control. He could lose that battle-and his job. G.M Mickey Loomis has gained owner Tom Benson's trust and might choose to go in another direction. The club has cap room available and will need it to sign RB Deuce McAllister and WR Joe Hum to contract extensions. The Saints can't afford to lose either player. WR Jerome Pathon might be released to make room for promising speedster Devery Henderson. The Saints must decide whether to re-sign DE Darren Howard, With Will Smith considered a future star, the best option might be to sign Howard, then trade him. FINAL GRADES: Offense: C. Horn and McAllister were steady, but the rest of the unit was too up-and-down. Defense: D. The late-season improvement wasn't enough to overcome a horrendous start. Special teams: A. The kicking units were amazingly consistent; the return teams sparked the late-season surge. Coaching: B. Haslett deserves credit for keeping the team together.--Jeff Duncan

CAROLINA PANTHERS