Since the Seahawks' victory over Arizona Nov. 10, defensive stalwarts, Richard Sherman and Kam Chancellor, have both been placed on injured reserve. Those are massive losses for a Seattle team looking to remain relevant in a very tight NFC playoff race. Atlanta's post-season hopes could also go either way, playing in what is arguably the most competitive division in football (NFC South). The Falcons took a step in the right direction last Sunday (Nov. 12) against Dallas and then again Monday night (Nov. 20), but can’t afford more than a slip-up or two the rest of the season.

Falcons (6-4) defeat Seahawks (6-4) - 34-31

Atlanta was firing on all cylinders from the start. Andre Roberts returned the opening kickoff to midfield, and the Falcons went 52 yards in seven plays for the first score of the game. The Seattle offense also started their first possession at midfield, but quarterback Russell Wilson missed badly on a receiver over-the-middle, throwing a pick to Desmond Trufant. The Falcons went up 14-0 when Mohamed Sanu Jr. snatched (one-handed) a two-yard touchdown pass from Ryan. Check out the Falcons' interception, along with the incredible Sanu Jr. catch.

Seattle answered with a nine-play, 65-yard drive that culminated in a Jimmy Graham four-yard touchdown reception.

Following a Falcons' punt, Seattle had the ball at their own 23-yard line. After a rushing play lost three yards, Russell Wilson dropped back for a pass and was stripped of the ball, resulting in an Atlanta defensive touchdown. Down 14 again, the Seahawks knocked in a field goal to cut the lead by three. On the subsequent kickoff, Falcons' returner Roberts muffed the catch, giving Seattle the ball on Atlanta 11-yard line.

A Wilson touchdown run reduced the deficit to four.

The two teams traded field goals to end the first half and start the second one. That's when Matt Ryan put the Seattle defense in his back pocket, driving the ball 76 yards in eight plays. He hit tight end Levine Toilolo for a 25-yard touchdown pass. With the score 31-20, Seattle kicked a field goal and then Atlanta knocked in one of their own to take back an 11-point lead with 3:52 left.

Needing two scores to at least tie the game, Russell Wilson scrambled and passed his way 75 yards in 49 seconds. Not only did Seattle get the touchdown they needed, but the two-point conversation to make it a three-point game. An Atlanta three-and-out gave the Seahawks the ball with 1:46 and no timeouts. Wilson quickly got Seattle into field goal range, but kicker Blair Wash came up just short from 52 yards to send the game into overtime.

Falcons/Seahawks game stat leaders

Falcons' passing

Matt Ryan - 19/27 - 195 yards - two touchdowns

Seahawks' passing

Russell Wilson - 26-42 - 258 yards - two touchdowns/one interception

Falcons' rushing

Tevin Coleman - 20 carries - 43 yards - one touchdown

Seahawks' rushing

Russell Wilson - seven carries - 86 yards - one touchdown

Falcons' receiving

Julio Jones - five receptions - 71 yards

Seahawks' receiving

Jimmy Graham - seven receptions - 58 yards - one touchdown
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