FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) - Falcons coach Mike Smith has learned that little credit is given for regular-season success when it is followed by postseason flops.

Smith is hoping the Falcons' impressive 34-0 shutout of the New York Giants on Sunday generates momentum to end the streak of disappointments in the playoffs.

The Falcons (12-2) need one win to secure home-field advantage through the NFC playoffs.

Atlanta has five straight winning seasons but is 0-3 in the playoffs under Smith.

The Falcons have had better regular-season records than the Super Bowl winner in two straight seasons. That meant little as they lost to the eventual champion each year in the playoffs.

Smith says ``it's all about December and January.''

Atlanta plays Saturday at Detroit before closing its regular season at home against Tampa Bay.