Falcons at Panthers -- Week 14
Where: Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, N.C. (grass, outdoors)
When: Sunday, 1 p.m. ET (Fox)
Spread: Falcons by 3.5
Forecast: Cloudy, temperatures in the high 60s.
Records: Falcons (Overall: 11-1, NFC South: 3-1); Panthers (Overall: 3-9, NFC South: 1-3)
Past results: Two most recent meetings -- Sept. 30, 2012: Falcons 30, Panthers 28; Dec. 11, 2011: Falcons 31, Panthers 23. Series record: Falcons lead 23-12.
What matters: The Panthers lost a late lead to the Falcons in this season's first meeting between the teams. That’s been a pattern for Carolina this season -- the Panthers have lost seven games by a touchdown or less, including last week against the Chiefs. The Falcons have already wrapped up the NFC South and could clinch a bye with a win and some help on Sunday.
Who matters: The quarterbacks are the focal points of this divisional game. Carolina’s Cam Newton has been turnover-free the last three weeks while throwing six touchdown passes. Atlanta’s Matt Ryan had a season-low 165 yards passing last week, two games after throwing five interceptions against Arizona.
Key matchup: Panthers DE Charles Johnson against Falcons LT Sam Baker. Johnson had a huge day in the first game against the Falcons, getting a Panthers record 3.5 sacks. Baker will be the one in front of him again and looking to keep Ryan upright.
Injuries of note: The Panthers continue to be ravaged by injuries. RB Jonathan Stewart (ankle) missed last week’s game and hasn't practiced this week. LB James Anderson (back, eye), DT Dwan Edwards (wrist), S Charles Godfrey (S) and WR Brandon LaFell (toe) have also sat out the week’s practices. For Atlanta, CB Asante Samuel (shoulder) and S William Moore (hamstring) have been out of practice, while RB Michael Turner (elbow) and DT Peria Jerry (quadriceps) have been limited by injury.
Inside stuff: In the last five games against Carolina, all wins, Ryan has 11 touchdown passes and 2 interceptions for a 103.9 quarterback rating, and the Falcons have scored at least 30 points in every game.
Connections: Panthers RB coach John Settle played for the Falcons from 1987 to 1990, and Atlanta assistant Tim Lewis was on the Panthers staff in 2007 and 2008.
Stat you should know: Since the Week 4 loss to Atlanta, the Panthers defense has improved by an average of 69 yards a game and ranks in the league’s top 10 for fewest yards and passing yards allowed.
Record watch: WR Steve Smith’s next 100-yard game will give him 43 for his career, tying him with Tim Brown and James Lofton for 10th in NFL history.
Bulletin board quote:
“What else is he going to say at this point? They haven’t won many games.” -- Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez in response to Hardy’s comment.
Looking ahead: The Panthers go to the west coast for a game against the Chargers, then finish the AFC West portion of their schedule with a home game against Oakland. Atlanta hosts the Giants, then travels to Detroit.
Prediction: Falcons 30, Panthers 6
For more up-to-the-minute news and analysis on the Carolina Panthers from blogger Shawn Krest, follow @CBSPanthers.