It’s rare for an NFL organization to face such a black and white situation. There are usually pros and cons to every decision a team makes.

According to Brad Gagnon of Bleacher ReportHowever, things are pretty straightforward for the Falcons heading into Week 9.

“They really have no choice but to go all-in in 2024,” Gagnon wrote. “Gotta beat the dysfunctional Cowboys in Week 9, then go get some help to prepare for a second half with a soft schedule.”

Apparently, it does not matter to Gagnon that the Falcons only have four picks in the 2025 draft or that they’ve already given up a third-rounder this year for edge rusher Matthew Judon. Only two of Atlanta’s draft selections next year are among the first 120 picks.

The “con” with another trade before the Nov. 5 deadline for Atlanta is that the Falcons would most likely have to give up more of their 2025 draft capital.

But Gagnon’s argument makes sense. If the Falcons beat the Dallas Cowboys, they will improve to 6-3 and hold at least a one-game lead in the NFC South. They also own the tiebreaker against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The Falcons are in a prime position to host a playoff game for the first time since the NFC Championship Game that propelled them to the Super Bowl in January 2017. And the Falcons are in this position in large part because of the arrival of 36 year old player. quarterback Kirk Cousins.

Atlanta could hold onto their 2025 draft capital and try to find some quick help throughout the draft. It’s a better game in the long run.

But even if the organization were to pull this off, which it hasn’t done in years (the Falcons missed out on a staggering number of mid-round defensive linemen in recent drafts), it won’t help the organization. team this season.

Now, an overall solution for the Falcons would be to give up their first-round pick for an Edge Rusher. It’s unclear whether Gagnon meant the team should make this kind of blockbuster move. It’s also unclear whether any upside that would justify giving up a first-rounder is actually available on the trade market.

But with a great chance to win the NFC South and make the playoffs this season, in Gagnon’s mind, the Falcons should have no qualms about sacrificing more draft capital to help this year’s roster.