"After shutting down Minnesota, the Falcons' defense moved into the top 10 for the first time this late in the season under Falcons coach Mike Smith.

The pass defense (245.7 yards per game) is ranked 23rd. The run defense (83.5) is ranked second. Overall, the defense (329.2) is ranked ninth in the league. The defense was ranked 15th last week, but they jumped up six spots after shutting down Minnesota.

A top 10 defense is almost prerequisite to winning a Super Bowl title.

Eleven of the past 15 Super Bowl winners had a defense that ranked in the top 10 during the regular season."