New Orleans Saints running back Mark Ingram (22) scores a touchdown in the first half of an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons in New Orleans, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2014. (AP Photo/Bill Haber)

New Orleans Saints running back Mark Ingram (22) celebrates his touchdown on the opening kickoff in the first half of an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons in New Orleans, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2014. (AP Photo/Bill Haber)

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Jalen Saunders (18) carries for a 99-yard return on the opening kickoff in the first half of an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons in New Orleans, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2014. (AP Photo/Bill Haber)

New Orleans Saints running back Mark Ingram (22) scores a touchdown as Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Prince Shembo (53) tries to tackle in the first half of an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons in New Orleans, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2014. (AP Photo/Bill Haber)

New Orleans Saints running back Mark Ingram (22) scores a touchdown in the first half of an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons in New Orleans, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2014. (AP Photo/Bill Haber)

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) is tackled by New Orleans Saints defensive back Pierre Warren (42), strong safety Kenny Vaccaro and defensive back Terrence Frederick (37) on a pass reception near the goal line in the first half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2014. (AP Photo/Bill Haber)

Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman (24) rushes for a touchdown past New Orleans Saints inside linebacker David Hawthorne (57) and defensive back Terrence Frederick in the second half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2014. (AP Photo/Rogelio Solis)

Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman (24) carries for a gain in the second half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2014. (AP Photo/Rogelio Solis)

New Orleans Saints cornerback Patrick Robinson (21) leaps to defend a reception by Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) in the second half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2014. (AP Photo/Rogelio Solis)

Atlanta Falcons strong safety Kemal Ishmael (36) strips the football from New Orleans Saints tight end Jimmy Graham (80) after a reception near the goal line in the second half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2014. Falcons free safety Dezmen Southward (41) tackles. (AP Photo/Rogelio Solis)

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) shakes hands with New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) after an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2014. The Falcons won 30-14. (AP Photo/Bill Haber)

The Falcons can win the NFC South with a win over the Panthers in Week 17, and there's a chance their offense could be without Steven Jackson (quadriceps) in the contest. That sort of scenario would mean a bigger role for Freeman, who rushed for 36 yards and one touchdown in Jackson's absence last week. Freeman would be a potential flex starter in a best-case scenario in that enormous contest.