Last Meeting:
The last time these clubs met in the regular season, the Falcons were shut out for the first time since 2004 and lost 38-0.
Coaching Matchup:Falcons: Dan Quinn
Dan Quinn snapped his team's six-game skid on Sunday when the Falcons defeated the Jaguars and moved to 7-7 on the season.Panthers: Ron Rivera
Ron Rivera's team survived a close game in New York in Week 15, but remains the only undefeated team in the NFL.
The Breakdown:
Falcons Offense vs. Panthers Defense
- Atlanta's offense ranks ninth in the NFL in total yards (371. 3 yards per game), seventh in passing offense (268.3 yards per game) and fourth in third down offense (45.0).
- Carolina's defense ranks third in total defense allowing only 314.9 yards per game.
- To continue with their balanced attack on offense, Kyle Shanahan's group will emphasize getting their 17th ranked rushing attack involved early on in the game.
- The dynamic duos of Julio Jones (1,544) and Devonta Freeman (1,450) have combined for 2,994 total yards from scrimmage this season, the most by any two teammates in the League.
- The Panthers' defense has a total of 40 sacks, which ranks fourth in the NFL. Carolina has also forced 35 turnovers on the year.
- Falcons' WR Julio Jones ranks second in the NFL in receiving yards (1,544) and first in receptions (118).
Falcons Defense vs. Panthers Offense
- The Falcons' run defense has been consistently solid all season. Quinn's defense ranks 14th in the NFL against the run, allowing only 103.2 yards per game.
- Panthers' WR Ted Ginn Jr. has tallied 730 receiving yards on 43 catches with 10 touchdowns.
- Atlanta has tallied 21 takeaways this season, which is the 13th most in the NFL season.
- Carolina's TE Greg Olsen leads the Panthers in catches with 71 for 1,048 yards and seven touchdowns.
- Quinn's defense has steadily improved this season and ranks 14th in scoring defense giving up only 22.3 points per game on average.
- Cam Newton is leading the MVP discussion as the QB has completed 258 of 439 passes for 3,402 yards with 33 touchdowns. Newton is also a factor in the Panthers' run game with 580 yards on 119 carries.
