The NFL has been investigating the Atlanta Falcons' use of artificial crowd noise in the Georgia Dome over the past two seasons, sources told ESPN.

The Falcons could face stiff penalties if the NFL determines that they pumped fake crowd noise at the Georgia Dome. Jason Getz/USA TODAY Sports

The offense is expected to result in discipline, with the Falcons being fined and quite possibly losing a draft choice, according to sources.

"We were informed during the season that the league office is looking into crowd noise during our games," a Falcons team spokesman said. "We have cooperated fully with them, and we're awaiting the outcome."

Atlanta has been accused of piping in the noise while the opposing team was huddling, trying to call its play. Some around the league have argued that silent counts have rendered crowd noise more irrelevant, and it's difficult to discern how much of an advantage it gave the Falcons.

The Falcons went 3-5 at the Georgia Dome this season and were blown out there by the Panthers, 34-3, in Week 17 with the NFC South Division title on the line.