Carolina Panthers maintain standing in NFC South, Week 8 outlook

Week 7: Atlanta Falcons 23, New York Giants 20

Atlanta defeated a struggling Giants franchise that made some questionable calls down the stretch. Failing to put the ball into the end zone on consecutive carries by quarterback Eli Manning allowed nearly 40 seconds to expire with New York needing an onside kick and recovery. Coupled with an earlier decision at a two-point conversion, which failed, the Giants woes continue.

Week 8: BYE

Atlanta appeared to be regrouped after three consecutive losses and their bye week falls at a beneficial time. Despite their losing record, the Falcons have two divisional wins with games at Washington, Cleveland and a home contest with Dallas upcoming. The Falcons could be 6-4 before a Thursday night, Week 12, showdown at New Orleans.

After the win, a divisional game against Tampa Bay looms but the Panthers cannot look past Baltimore and need to remain focused as each game becomes increasingly more significant.