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Panthers at Falcons: Preview, predictions and how to watch

By Brandon Scott

CHARLOTTE, NC - NOVEMBER 05: Luke Kuechly #59 of the Carolina Panthers stares down the Atlanta Falcons offense in the second quarter during their game at Bank of America Stadium on November 5, 2017 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC - NOVEMBER 05: Luke Kuechly #59 of the Carolina Panthers stares down the Atlanta Falcons offense in the second quarter during their game at Bank of America Stadium on November 5, 2017 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
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The Carolina Panthers visit Atlanta for a regular season finale with a lot on the line…

The Atlanta Falcons squandered their opportunity to win the division by losing at New Orleans last week but the Carolina Panthers remain alive. If Tampa Bay defeats the Saints and Carolina wins, the Panthers will be NFC South champions. Having lost both games to their divisional rivals, a win by virtue of some help would still be welcome and improve their current playoff standing.

Already in the playoffs, Carolina is the number five seed slated to visit the Saints for a third meeting this season. However, that could change by virtue of the above scenario or a Los Angeles Rams loss to San Francisco. While winning the division would give the Panthers a home game, if both Carolina and New Orleans win then an away trip to either the Saints or Los Angeles will be waiting.

Atlanta can secure their spot in the playoffs for a second straight year with a win over Carolina. If they lose, the Falcons will need help from Arizona to extend their season. Should the Seattle Seahawks win over the Cardinals then then Atlanta is done for the year. All four games will be occurring simultaneously to keep anyone from gaining an unfair strategic advantage of knowing their fate prior or during the game.

2017 SEASON: CAROLINA PANTHERS (11-4) at ATLANTA FALCONS (9-6)

KICKOFF: 4:25pm ET

TV: FOX Broadcast Coverage Map

ONLINE: FuboTV 67+ live sports and entertainment channels with 7-day FREE trial!

ODDS: Atlanta (-4.0), Over/Under (45) at Sports Book Review

LOCATION: Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta, GA)

WEATHER: Indoor

LAST MEETING: 20-17, PANTHERS – November 5, 2017 (WEEK 9)

KEY MATCH-UP: Carolina Panthers Defensive Line vs. Atlanta Falcons Offensive Line

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Defensive end Charles Johnson returns for Carolina this week against a divisional rival he knows well. Growing up just two hours southeast of Atlanta and attending the University of Georgia, Johnson lived most of his life in Falcons territory until becoming the third round pick for Carolina in the 2007 NFL Draft.

His addition back into the fold for defensive coordinator Steve Wilks is expected to refresh a defensive line that has continuously pressured opposing quarterbacks all season – with the exception of Matt Ryan. The Falcons signal caller was only sacked twice, on back-to-back plays, of a three-and-out series in the second half during the first meeting.

Largely void of any pressure, Ryan passed for 313 yards and two touchdowns. In an effort to make an impact and help the secondary against wide receivers Julio Jones and Mohamed Sanu, the Panthers need consistent pressure throughout the game.

Next: NFL Power Rankings - Week 17

While the Panthers may get some pressure on Ryan and the Falcons, they are in a must win situation – at home. The Falcons need to punch their playoff ticket in order to have a chance at returning to the Super Bowl and with Carolina already in the mix, Ryan and Atlanta prevail.

PREDICTION: CAROLINA PANTHERS- 19, ATLANTA FALCONS- 27

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