This week’s game in Carolina could be the key game in Atlanta’s final push for the playoffs.
At 7-5, the Falcons should be in the playoffs with three more wins. They have a road date in New Orleans, but it looks like they may not even have a chance to win the division.
They have home games against the Jaguars and Bucs. The Falcons have shown they are going to beat bad teams at home.
This week’s game in Carolina is trickier.
It’s Atlanta’s first time playing outdoors since Week Four. The Panthers are a dangerous 4-8 team because Cam Newton presents so many problems, and the Falcons will have to play without their best cornerback.
Coach Mike Smith has already ruled out Brent Grimes, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
The Panthers are the perfect “spoiler” team and will get their chances to pull of some upsets over the next month. They face the Falcons, Texans, and Saints down the stretch.