Carolina Panthers at Atlanta Falcons – Week 17

CHARLOTTE, NC - NOVEMBER 05: Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers dives over Desmond Trufant #21 of the Atlanta Falcons for a touchdown 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: Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers dives over Desmond Trufant #21 of the Atlanta Falcons for a touchdown 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 with a lot to gain if things fall their way…

Last year the Carolina Panthers celebrated New Years in Tampa Bay before losing to the Buccaneers by one point, ending a 6-10 campaign. This season, the Panthers will be returning from Atlanta potentially as the NFC South champions and number two overall seed in the playoffs.

Having already secured at least the fifth seed, Carolina can improve their standing with a victory and New Orleans Saints loss. If that happens and both the Minnesota Vikings and Los Angeles Rams fail to win, the Panthers will move all the way up to number two with a home game and first-round bye.

Atlanta can reach the playoffs with a win on Sunday and even if they lose, should Arizona beat Seattle. A year removed from a Super Bowl appearance the Falcons are fighting for an opportunity to repeat as the NFC champions, essentially beginning their playoffs with a home game versus Carolina.

Following is your one stop access for news and information regarding the Falcons and Panthers on Sunday.

Panthers Preview, Predictions and How to Watch

How to watch, history, one key matchup, odds and a final score prediction.

Expert Picks

National media outlets project Sunday’s winner.

More from Cat Crave

Injury Report

After previously being listed as questionable, guard Trai Turner will miss his third straight game due to a concussion. A look at who else will and will not suit up for Carolina on Sunday against the Falcons.

Playoff Seed Possibilities

A variety of scenarios detailing how the Panthers can earn either the second, third, fourth or fifth seed in the playoffs.

Week 9 Rewind

A look back at the first meeting between Carolina and Atlanta this season.

Next: NFL Power Rankings - Week 17

The Panthers need a win if they want any chance to move up in the playoff seeding. Currently, Carolina is projected to visit New Orleans for a third game but could travel to Los Angeles and face the Rams, if they lose to San Francisco. Win or lose, the Panthers have already assured themselves of playing at least one game in January 2018 – a happy new year indeed.