In the season, the Falcons qualified for the playoffs for the first time and won the Wild Card game against the 14—13.
On December 21, 2008, Atlanta beat the Minnesota Vikings 24—17 to clinch a wild card spot, earning a trip to the playoffs for the first time since 2004.
The Metrodome waxed breathless as Andersen split the uprights from 38 yards, vaulting the Falcons to the win and sending them to the for the first time in franchise history.