| Power Rankings |
| Date | Ranking | Previous |
| 05/04/2009 | 9 | 9 |
| It's all about the defense for the Falcons. Adding Tony Gonzalez makes the offense complete and the draft was loaded with defensive picks to help the other side. They aren't going away. |
| 02/09/2009 | 9 | 6 |
| They took a major step forward in 2008 -- surprisingly -- but they should be back in the playoffs again. They need to fix a few problem areas, like defensive tackle, safety and tight end. But the pieces are in place. |
| 12/30/2008 | 6 | 6 |
| Seeing them here at the end of the season is amazing. Their physical style will give them a chance to make some noise in the playoffs. Are they this year's Giants? |
| 12/23/2008 | 6 | 7 |
| They are in the playoffs. What an amazing season. Mike Smith is coach of the year. If they win the division, which is possible, there's no arguing that. |
| 12/16/2008 | 7 | 9 |
| If they win their final two games, they're a playoff team. That would be incredible. It won't be easy going to Minnesota this week. |
| 12/09/2008 | 9 | 8 |
| That was a tough loss at New Orleans but it doesn't get any easier with a home game against the Bucs, which is almost like a playoff game now. They can't afford another loss. |
| 12/02/2008 | 8 | 10 |
| If they can get to 10 wins, they will likely be a playoff team. That would be amazing. |
| 11/25/2008 | 10 | 13 |
| Can you believe we're heading to the last week of November and they're a division contender? Mike Smith, coach of the year? |
| 11/18/2008 | 13 | 10 |
| They have a chance to bounce back in a big way from that loss to the Broncos by beating the Panthers this week. If they don't, they will be traveling the wild-card route at best. |
| 11/11/2008 | 10 | 12 |
| Matt Ryan isn't playing like a rookie, that's for sure. But the most impressive thing is how well the defense is playing. Brian VanGorder is doing a nice job with that unit. |
