As the 2024 NFL season approaches the playoffs, no team is without its flaws. The Kansas City Chiefs, despite their impressive 14-1 record, struggle with their deep passing attack. The Detroit Lions, currently at 13-2, face significant injury issues. Other contenders like the Minnesota Vikings and Philadelphia Eagles also have notable weaknesses that could impact their playoff success. This article examines the biggest concerns for each top contender and identifies potential matchups that could exploit these vulnerabilities.

Kirk Cousins is anticipated to be released by the Atlanta Falcons ahead of a $10 million roster bonus due on March 17. After the Falcons selected QB Michael Penix with the eighth overall pick, Cousins, who struggled this season with a career-high 16 interceptions, may seek opportunities elsewhere. Despite his challenges, there remains a demand for quarterbacks, making it plausible for Cousins to secure a starting role in the upcoming season.

Kirk Cousins is anticipated to be released by the Atlanta Falcons before his $10 million roster bonus is due on March 17, 2025. The decision comes after the Falcons selected rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. in the first round of the draft, leading to Cousins being benched. With a league-leading 16 interceptions and 12 fumbles this season, Cousins' performance has not met expectations, prompting the Falcons to move forward with Penix as their starting quarterback. The situation has left Cousins with leverage due to his no-trade clause, making a release more likely than a trade.

Kirk Cousins has been benched as the starting quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons, with rookie Michael Penix Jr. taking over. Cousins struggled significantly, throwing nine interceptions and only one touchdown in five games, leading to the team's decline in the playoff race. The financial implications of Cousins' contract complicate his future with the team, as the Falcons face substantial dead money if they choose to cut or trade him.

The New York Giants are likely to pursue a new starting quarterback for the 2025 season, with options including top collegiate prospects Shedeur Sanders and Cam Ward, as well as notable veterans like Kirk Cousins and Sam Darnold. The Giants' current offense ranks last in the league, prompting the need for a significant change. With the possibility of securing the No. 1 overall draft pick, the team is heavily scouting quarterbacks, particularly Sanders, who has generated considerable hype as a potential franchise player.

After being benched, Kirk Cousins expressed his support for new Falcons starting quarterback Michael Penix Jr. Cousins acknowledged his struggles, particularly with turnovers, and emphasized his commitment to help the team succeed as they aim for a playoff spot. The Falcons currently sit at 7-7, with a chance to make the playoffs despite Cousins' league-high interceptions and fumbles this season.

Kirk Cousins has been officially named the backup quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons, as rookie Michael Penix takes over the starting role. This decision comes after a disappointing season for Cousins, who has struggled with turnovers and has been benched after just 14 games into a lucrative four-year contract. The future looks uncertain for Cousins in Atlanta, as speculation grows about his potential departure this offseason.

As the 2024 NFL season nears its conclusion, the NFC South remains highly competitive, with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers leading the pack. Despite their recent success, the Buccaneers face challenges from the Atlanta Falcons, who have made a significant change at quarterback, and the New Orleans Saints and Carolina Panthers, both looking to play spoiler. Each team's chances of making the playoffs hinge on their upcoming games, with the Buccaneers needing to maintain consistency amidst injuries and turnovers, while the Falcons aim to capitalize on their favorable tiebreaker situation against Tampa Bay.

The Atlanta Falcons have decided to bench Kirk Cousins in favor of rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. after a disappointing season from Cousins, who has thrown 18 touchdowns but also 16 interceptions. With the Falcons struggling at 7-7 and facing a tough NFC South, the team is looking for a spark to salvage their playoff hopes. The decision to start Penix, who was drafted 8th overall, reflects a shift from a long-term strategy to an urgent need for immediate improvement.

Kirk Cousins has signed a four-year, $100 million contract with the Atlanta Falcons, intending to retire there. However, after a series of poor performances, the Falcons have named rookie Michael Penix Jr. as the starting quarterback, raising questions about Cousins' future with the team. The Falcons are looking to turn their season around with Penix at the helm, starting with a matchup against the struggling New York Giants.

The Atlanta Falcons have announced that Michael Penix will take over as the starting quarterback, displacing Kirk Cousins. This decision comes after Cousins' poor performance over the past five games, where he recorded a 1:9 touchdown to interception ratio. Despite a recent win against the Raiders, Cousins' individual performance was lackluster, leading to the team's decision to move forward with Penix.

The Atlanta Falcons have announced that Michael Penix will be the starting quarterback moving forward, following a disappointing stretch from Kirk Cousins. Penix, who was drafted eighth overall, has only seen limited action this season but is now set to lead the team in their push for the playoffs. With the Falcons currently at 7-7, Penix's first start will be against the struggling New York Giants.

The Atlanta Falcons have announced that rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. will take over as the starting QB, replacing Kirk Cousins. This decision comes after a disappointing performance from Cousins in a recent game against the Las Vegas Raiders, where he failed to throw on first down in the first half for the first time in his career. Coach Raheem Morris emphasized that this change is a football decision aimed at preparing for the upcoming game against the New York Giants.

The Atlanta Falcons have decided to bench quarterback Kirk Cousins in favor of Michael Penix, following a disappointing stretch where the team lost four of their last five games. Despite a win against the Raiders, Cousins' performance was lackluster, prompting the coaching staff to make a change. While Penix may lack Cousins' experience, he is expected to bring improved arm talent to the offense. The Falcons are likely to continue their run-heavy strategy, especially with a favorable matchup against the Giants upcoming.

Falcons head coach Raheem Morris has expressed uncertainty regarding quarterback Kirk Cousins' position as the starter following a disappointing performance in Week 15. Cousins has struggled significantly, throwing only one touchdown against nine interceptions in his last five games. The Falcons may consider a change to rookie QB Michael Penix for their upcoming game against the Giants, although Penix is not expected to be a strong QB1 option.

Atlanta Falcons coach Raheem Morris expressed uncertainty regarding Kirk Cousins' starting position for the upcoming game against the New York Giants. Following a narrow victory over the Las Vegas Raiders, Cousins' performance has raised concerns, as he has struggled significantly in recent games. The Falcons, who recently drafted Michael Penix Jr. as their future quarterback, are weighing their options as they aim for a playoff spot despite a recent four-game losing streak.

Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris has not confirmed whether Kirk Cousins will remain the starting quarterback for the upcoming game against the New York Giants. After a lackluster performance in a recent win over the Raiders, where Cousins struggled with a poor touchdown-to-interception ratio, the Falcons may consider rookie Michael Penix as a potential replacement. The team's playoff hopes are still alive, but Cousins' recent form raises questions about his effectiveness moving forward.

Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris has not confirmed whether Kirk Cousins will remain the starting quarterback for the upcoming game against the New York Giants. Cousins' recent performance has raised concerns, particularly after a streak of games without a touchdown. Despite the Falcons securing a win against the Raiders, Cousins' struggles may lead to a potential change at quarterback as the team looks to stay competitive in the playoff race.

The Atlanta Falcons ended their four-game losing streak with a narrow 15-9 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders, but the performance of quarterback Kirk Cousins raised concerns. Cousins completed 11 of 17 passes for 112 yards, one touchdown, and one interception, continuing a troubling trend of poor decision-making and interceptions. The Falcons relied heavily on their running game, with Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier combining for 34 carries, while Cousins struggled to find consistency in his passing game.

The Atlanta Falcons ended their four-game losing streak with a narrow 15-9 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders, but concerns about quarterback Kirk Cousins' performance linger. Cousins completed 11 of 17 passes for 112 yards, one touchdown, and one interception, continuing a troubling trend with nine interceptions in his last five games. The Falcons leaned heavily on their running game, with Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier combining for 34 carries, and Cousins did not throw on first down in the first half for the first time in his career. Coach Raheem Morris emphasized the need for Cousins to improve, especially in decision-making.

Kirk Cousins had a lackluster performance in the Falcons' 15-9 victory over the Raiders, completing only 11 of 17 passes for 112 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Despite his struggles, he managed to snap a four-game touchdown drought with a scoring pass to Drake London. The Falcons' coach has expressed confidence in Cousins as the starting quarterback, even as the team faces pressure to perform in the playoff race.

The Atlanta Falcons secured a much-needed victory over the Las Vegas Raiders, winning 15-9 and snapping a four-game losing streak. Bijan Robinson was the standout performer, rushing for 125 yards, while quarterback Kirk Cousins struggled but managed to throw a touchdown pass to Drake London. Special teams played a crucial role in the win, highlighted by KhaDarel Hodge's blocked punt. Despite the win, concerns linger about Cousins' performance as the Falcons aim for a playoff spot.

The Atlanta Falcons are committed to developing rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. without rushing him into the starting role, despite starter Kirk Cousins' struggles. Head coach Raheem Morris emphasized the importance of allowing Penix to learn and grow before putting him in a challenging situation. With the Falcons currently on a four-game losing streak and Cousins throwing multiple interceptions, the pressure is mounting for a change, but the team remains focused on supporting their current starter as they aim for a playoff push.

As Week 15 of the 2024 NFL season approaches, insiders Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano provide insights on coaching situations for the Giants, Raiders, and Jaguars, along with the quarterback dynamics in Atlanta. They discuss potential coaching changes and the implications for fantasy football lineups, highlighting key players to watch as the season progresses.

The Atlanta Falcons continue to support quarterback Kirk Cousins despite his recent struggles, including four consecutive games without a touchdown and a total of eight interceptions during that stretch. Coach Raheem Morris emphasized the need for Cousins to improve his performance, particularly in limiting turnovers, as the Falcons' playoff hopes hang in the balance. With the team now at 6-7, Cousins' ability to bounce back will be crucial in their upcoming games against the Raiders and Giants.