Here’s a look at the first half of the season for the Atlanta Falcons (6-3) as they try to maintain an advantage atop the NFC South and qualify for the playoffs for the first time since 2012:

Grade: B. The Falcons, who entered the season with low expectations while facing the NFL's toughest schedule, deserve plenty of credit for the league's top scoring offense with an average of 33 points per game through the first half of the season. Matt Ryan looks extremely comfortable and confident in Year 2 of offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan's scheme. The running back tandem of Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman was dominant at times and has the potential to be unstoppable in any given week, if healthy. Three-time Pro Bowl center Alex Mack has fortified the offensive line. The only reason the Falcons fall short of an A is because the defense remains suspect at times. Championship teams find ways to get stops.

Midseason MVP: Although Julio Jones is no doubt the team’s best player, even the star receiver would agree Ryan was the MVP of the team -- maybe even of the entire league -- through the first half of the season. Ryan is more confident with his deep passes and much more on point with his decision-making. He set a franchise record with 503 passing yards in Week 4 against what was supposed to be a respected Carolina defense. Not to mention the plays Ryan made with his feet, picking up key first downs rushing when needed while also knowing when to step up to avoid pressure. ESPN's Matt Hasselbeck even said Ryan is playing like Tom Brady. That's high praise.

Best moments: Ryan’s winning, 11-yard touchdown pass to Mohamed Sanu in a 33-32 triumph over Aaron Rodgers and the Packers is a sure highlight for Falcons fans, and rightfully so. It was one of those signature plays to look back on if this ends up being a successful season. The other to consider, of course, was when rookie linebacker Deion Jones, a New Orleans native who was forced out of his home during Hurricane Katrina, fulfilled a lifelong dream by playing in the Superdome for the first time in Week 3 and responded with a 90-yard interception return for a touchdown in a victory over his hometown Saints. You couldn’t have written a better storyline for that game.'

Worst moment: The winning, 42-yard field goal by Chargers kicker Josh Lambo in a 33-30 overtime loss to San Diego. The Falcons should have won that game after jumping out to a 27-10 lead at home, but the defense certainly didn't win the trust of the coaches that day.

Player to watch: Pass-rusher Vic Beasley stepped up his game in the first half of the season, initiating the pressure and collecting 7.5 sacks through the first nine games. The continued progression of the former first-round draft pick from Clemson could be a major factor in how the Falcons close the season. Beasley is more of student of the game now and has absorbed knowledge from teammate and seven-time Pro Bowl selection Dwight Freeney. In order to keep generating consistent pressure, the Falcons have to rush in unison. But Beasley is the guy they're counting on to be the closer.

Second-half outlook: What the Falcons have to do now is keep their foot on the pedal on offense, because no team should be able to keep up with them from that perspective, not after they already showed the ability to score against some of the league's better defenses in Denver and Seattle. But the Falcons have to clean up their issues on defense, specifically the tendency to give up pass plays of 20-plus yards. Penalties also have been an issue, particularly pre-snap flags on offense, pass-interference calls on defense and a variety of fouls on special teams. If the majority of the team remains healthy -- most importantly Ryan and Jones -- the Falcons should win the division without issue. How far they go in the postseason -- provided they make it -- could depend on having a home-field advantage.