Jan 1, 2012; Atlanta, GA, USA; Tamba Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Preston Parker (87) gets tackled by Atlanta Falcons defensive back Chris Owens (21) and cornerback Dominique Franks (24) during the second quarter at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Josh D. Weiss-US PRESSWIRE
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The Sports Network
Atlanta, GA (Sports Network) - Michael Turner ran for 172 yards and two touchdowns, and the Falcons scored the first 42 points against the Buccaneers to capture the No. 5 seed in the NFC playoffs with a 45-24 victory.
The outcome, coupled with the Lions' loss to the Packers earlier Sunday, means Atlanta avoided a first-round matchup against the New Orleans Saints and will play the winner of the NFC East -- either the Giants or Cowboys, depending on their winner-take-all showdown Sunday night.
The Falcons (10-6) were crushed by the Saints Monday night, 45-16, and took out their frustrations in a one-sided regular season finale.
Atlanta's Matt Ryan played less than two quarters and completed 6-of-9 passes for 106 yards and two touchdowns, both to Julio Jones.
Josh Freeman ended a disappointing season on a sour note, committing four turnovers to increase his season total to 27. The third-year quarterback had just nine turnovers in a 10-win campaign in 2010, but Tampa Bay (4-12) ended this season on a 10-game losing streak, its longest skid since 1977.
The Sports Network