Ryan goes home to take on Philly

Quarterback Matt Ryan has another shot at a happy homecoming.

A berth in the NFC Championship Game is at stake when Ryan leads the Atlanta Falcons against the Eagles in a divisional playoff today in Philadelphia. Ryan, who grew up rooting for the Eagles and went to nearby William Penn Charter School, is 1-3 at Lincoln Financial Field.

“I’m used to it now,” Ryan said about returning home. “Playing as long as I have, I understand regardless of where we play you have to be at your best every week. The one nice part is there will be a lot of familiar faces, friendly faces after the game, which is always nice.”

Ryan had his worst game of his MVP season last year in Atlanta’s 24-15 loss in Philly on Nov. 13, 2016. He was 18-of-33 for 267 yards with one touchdown and one interception.

“Obviously, there will be some scheme from that game that we’ll take, what went well and what didn’t go well and try to improve on that,” Ryan said.

Elsewhere in the NFL — Quarterback Teddy Bridgewater is still expected to back up Vikings starter Case Keenum during tomorrow’s NFC divisional playoff against the Saints. However, coach Mike Zimmer kept the door open for Sam Bradford to be activated . . . .

Saints receiver Brandon Coleman is out with a neck injury . . . .

WR Antonio Brown was sent home from Steelers practice with an illness.

Jaguars linebackers Telvin Smith (ankle) and Paul Posluszny (abdomen) practiced in full as did cornerbacks Jalen Ramsey (Achilles) and Aaron Colvin (illness) . . . .

The Bills fired offensive coordinator Rick Dennison after the team finished 29th in offense this season . . . .

Panthers linebacker Thomas Davis will retire after the 2018 season.