Thanksgiving 2013: What NFL fans should be thankful for

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Atlanta Falcons

Nov 21, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; New Orleans Saints safety Malcolm Jenkins (27) and Atlanta Falcons punter Matt Bosher (5) and place kicker Matt Bryant (3) react after a missed field goal late in the game during the second half at the Georgia Dome. The Saints defeated the Falcons 17-13. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

Top draft pick = The Falcons have gone from 10 yards shy of making the Super Bowl to being the first team mathematically eliminated from the playoffs. They’re now in position to add a top draft pick to their already talented team next year.

Injuries heal = Falcons fans can be thankful that Julio Jones and Kroy Biermann’s injuries will heal. Each player going down sucked the life out of the offensive and defensive units and the team hasn’t been able to recover, but those injuries will.

Evaluation time = The Falcons can take the opportunity at the bottom of the NFL standings to evaluate their younger players and veterans to see who is worth moving forward after this awful season. They can look at Osi Umenyiora and Steven Jackson while giving Matt Ryan a chance to rest and avoid suffering a major injury.

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