The Atlanta Falcons (0-4) return to Mercedes-Benz Stadium for their first NFC South game as they take on the Carolina Panthers (2-2) at 1 p.m. ET on FOX. The Panthers are coming off a two-game win streak while the Falcons will be looking to get their first win of the year.
Here's what to know about the Falcons upcoming opponent, the Panthers:
RELATED CONTENT
Panthers learning their new identity under coach Matt Rhule
The Panthers are in the first year under Matt Rhule's leadership in Carolina. Rhule was hired in early January after emerging as one of the top college coaches from his time at Temple and Baylor. When Rhule took the job, he made several changes from a personnel standpoint. The team moved on from longtime starting quarterback Cam Newton and signed Teddy Bridgewater. Veteran tight Greg Olsen was not re-signed and All-Pro linebacker Luke Kuechly retired. Carolina used all seven of their draft picks on defensive players, including defensive tackle Derrick Brown with the No. 7 overall pick. The Panthers have recorded wins over the Arizona Cardinals and Los Angeles Chargers in consecutive weeks.
Teddy Bridgewater is finding his groove again
In his first season with the Panthers and new offensive coordinator Joe Brady, Bridgewater appears to be hitting his stride. He's completed 103 passes for 1,147 yards and eight touchdowns. Bridgewater recorded his first rushing touchdown since 2018 in Carolina's Week 3 win over Arizona. Heading into Week 5, Bridgewater ranks No. 6 in passing yards in the NFL.
Carolina's pass rush has been the difference
With former first-round Brian Burns and this year's second-round pick Yetur Gross-Matos, the Panthers have found their duo coming off the edge. Burns and Gross-Matos both have one sack on the year but look to be gaining more confidence each game. Burns recorded 7.5 sacks in the 2019 season and one forced fumble. Gross-Matos' strip sack on Kyler Murray was one of the game-changing plays for Carolina's defense in their most recent win over the Cardinals.
No Christian McCaffrey, no problem
One of the most surprising parts of the Panthers' recent success on offense is that it has been without the services of All-Pro running back, Christian McCaffrey. The Panthers lost McCaffrey for what is expected to be anywhere between four to six weeks with an ankle injury following their Week 2 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. McCaffrey has been one of the league's best offensive weapons since he was drafted as the No. 8 overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. Without McCaffrey in the lineup, the Panthers have been relying on wide receiver Robby Anderson heavily in the passing game. Anderson ranks sixth in receiving yards with 377 on 28 catches and his running mate, D.J. Moore, has also been productive. Moore has caught 18 passes for 288 yards.
Get an inside look at the matchup between the Atlanta Falcons and Green Bay Packers with top photos from inside Lambeau Field in Week 4.
Atlanta Falcons running back Todd Gurley II #21 runs the ball against the Green Bay Packers on October 5, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/AtlantaFalcons)
The Atlanta Falcons defense makes a stop at the goal line Green Bay Packers on October 5, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 makes his 809th career catch to surpass Roddy White as the Atlanta Falcons franchise reception leader during the first quarter against the Green Bay Packers on October 5, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Todd Gurley II #21 scores a touchdown in the second half against the Green Bay Packers on October 5, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/AtlantaFalcons)
The Atlanta Falcons versus the Green Bay Packers on October 5, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Hayden Hurst #81 in action during the first quarter against the Green Bay Packers on October 5, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 calls for the snap against the Green Bay Packers on October 5, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 in action during the first quarter against the Green Bay Packers on October 5, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Deion Jones #45 makes a tackle during the first quarter against the Green Bay Packers on October 5, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus #17 in action during the fourth quarter against the Green Bay Packers on October 5, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 in action during the second quarter against the Green Bay Packers on October 5, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Foyesade Oluokun #54 in action during the second quarter against the Green Bay Packers October 5, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/AtlantaFalcons)
The offensive line lines up against the Green Bay Packers on October 5, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons safety Jaylinn Hawkins #32 and safety Damontae Kazee #27 make a tackle during the first quarter against the Green Bay Packers on October 5, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Todd Gurley II #21 in action during the second quarter against the Green Bay Packers on October 5, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons safety Jaylinn Hawkins #32 celebrates making a stop against the Green Bay Packers on October 5, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Deion Jones #45 and defensive end John Cominsky #50 tackle Green Bay Packers running back Aaron Jones #33 in the first half on October 5, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 makes his 809th career catch to surpass Roddy White as the Atlanta Falcons franchise reception leader during the first quarter against the Green Bay Packers on October 5, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 in action during the second quarter against the Green Bay Packers on October 5, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Todd Gurley II #21 celebrates scoring a touchdown with guard Chris Lindstrom #63 on October 5, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons safety Damontae Kazee #27 and cornerback Kendall Sheffield #20 make a tackle against the Green Bay Packers on October 5, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Todd Gurley II #21 runs the football against the Green Bay Packers on October 5, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Steven Means #55 celebrates with defensive end Dante Fowler Jr #56 and defensive tackle Jacob Tuioti-Mariner #91 on October 5, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Todd Gurley II #21 runs the ball for a touchdown during the third quarter against the Green Bay Packers on October 5, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 in action during the second quarter against the Green Bay Packers October 5, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Todd Gurley II #21 celebrates scoring a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers on October 5, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Todd Gurley II #21 celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Green Bay Packers on October 5, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Dante Fowler Jr #56 makes a tackle during the second quarter against the Green Bay Packers on October 5, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons safety Jaylinn Hawkins #32 makes a tackle at the goal line against the Green Bay Packers on October 5, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons safety Jaylinn Hawkins #32 celebrates making a stop against the Green Bay Packers on October 5, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Deion Jones #45 makes a tackle against the Green Bay Packers on October 5, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Todd Gurley II #21 runs the ball for a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Green Bay Packers on October 5, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Todd Gurley II #21 celebrates scoring a touchdown with offensive tackle Jake Matthews #70 on October 5, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 becomes the Atlanta Falcons' all-time leader in receptions with 809 career receptions, surpassing Roddy White, on October 5, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 becomes the Atlanta Falcons' all-time leader in receptions with 809 career receptions, surpassing Roddy White, on October 5, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 makes his 809th career catch to surpass Roddy White as the Atlanta Falcons franchise reception leader during the first quarter against the Green Bay Packers on October 5, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Brian Hill #23 in action during the second quarter against the Green Bay Packers October 5, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons center Alex Mack #51 gestures against the Green Bay Packers on October 5, 2020. (Photo by Cato Cataldo/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 warms up before the game against the Green Bay Packers on October 5, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 is shown on the field during warm ups before the start of the game against the Green Bay Packers on October 5, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jarrett #97 is shown before the game against the Green Bay Packers on October 5, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley #18 warms up before the game the against Green Bay Packers on October 5, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 warms up before the game Green Bay Packers on October 5, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Christian Blake #13 is shown during warm up before the game against the Green Bay Packers on October 5, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Christian Blake #13 is shown during warm up before the game against the Green Bay Packers on October 5, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Brandon Powell #15 and Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus #17 warm up before the game against the Green Bay Packers on October 5, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 is shown on the field during warm ups before the start of the game against the Green Bay Packers on October 5, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley #18 is shown during warm ups before the game against the Green Bay Packers on October 5, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 is shown on the field during warm ups before the start of the game against the Green Bay Packers on October 5, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 is warms up before the start of the game against the Green Bay Packers on October 5, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons are shown before the start of the game against the Green Bay Packers on October 5, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 warms up before the start of the game against the Green Bay Packers on October 5, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Todd Gurley II #21 stretches before the games against the Green Bay Packers on October 5, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 is shown during warm ups before the start of the game against the Green Bay Packers on October 5, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons fullback Keith Smith #40 and tight end Hayden Hurst #81 walk to the field on October 5, 2020. (Photo by Mark Brown/AtlantaFalcons)
The Atlanta Falcons huddle around Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 and wide receiver Calvin Ridley #18 on October 5, 2020. (Photo by Mark Brown/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur M Blank talks with Green Bay Packers President and CEO Mark Murphy before the start of the game against the Green Bay Packers on October 5, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Hess/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons fullback Keith Smith #40 gestures before the game against the Green Bay Packers on October 5, 2020. (Photo by Mark Brown/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons head coach Dan Quinn talks to quarterback Matt Ryan #2 before the game against the Green Bay Packers on October 5, 2020. (Photo by Mark Brown/AtlantaFalcons)
The Atlanta Falcons huddle around Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley #18 on October 5, 2020. (Photo by Mark Brown/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons center Matt Hennessy #61 walks off of the field before the game against the Green Bay Packers on October 5, 2020. (Photo by Mark Brown/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons head coach Dan Quinn will honor Raymond Santana, one of the Exonerated Five, as the Atlanta Falcons face the Green Bay Packers on October 5, 2020. (Photo by Mark Brown/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons fullback Keith Smith #40 walks across Lambeau Field on October 5, 2020. (Photo by Mark Brown/AtlantaFalcons)
Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank walks out to the field before the game between the Atlanta Falcons and Green Bay Packers on October 5, 2020. (Photo by Mark Brown/AtlantaFalcons)
