The NFC South might be the most depressing division in the NFL as every team has a losing record and could finish the season like so. Both the Carolina Panthers and Atlanta Falcons had raised expectations heading into the year that they have both failed to meet up to this point. However, they still remain in contention for first place in the division which would mean a playoff berth, so their first matchup of the season holds plenty of implications.
Both the Falcons and Panthers have three wins on the season. It is Week 10 and yet they could each get into the playoff with a win on Sunday. Atlanta is fresh off a win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers putting them one game behind the New Orleans Saints. The win broke a five-game losing streak for Atlanta. The Panthers are coming off a beating on Monday night football where Cam Newton was sacked nine times by the Philadelphia Eagles, but still only sit a half game back from New Orleans.
The Falcons got a win over Tampa Bay because of a refueled run game that has been missing most of the season. Steven Jackson had a strong performance of 81 yards while Atlanta put up 110 yards on the ground while only averaging 69.5 yards in their previous four games. The offensive line is playing a big part in that. The Falcons have had 10 different players play on the line during the season as injuries have taken their toll on the unit.
The Panthers could get the win by stopping the run, something they succeed with against the Eagles who only rushed for 37 yards on 23 carries. However, in the previous four games they gave up 134.8 rushing yards per game. Carolina will be without defensive tackle Star Lotulelei which could play a big part in the defensive attack.
All eyes will be on Cam Newton who may or may not be injured. Ron Rivera denied the idea while the quarterback told the media that he was not playing at 100 percent. In the last four games, Newton has thrown for just four touchdowns while recording nine turnovers and 19 sacks.
