Fansided

Panthers, Falcons To Face Off Next Week For NFC South Title

By Evan Massey

Nov 16, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; Atlanta Falcons center James Stone (62) and wide receiver Roddy White (84) and Carolina Panthers defensive end Kony Ealy (94) and strong safety Roman Harper (41) scuffle on the field in the third quarter. The Falcons defeated the Panthers 19-17 at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 16, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; Atlanta Falcons center James Stone (62) and wide receiver Roddy White (84) and Carolina Panthers defensive end Kony Ealy (94) and strong safety Roman Harper (41) scuffle on the field in the third quarter. The Falcons defeated the Panthers 19-17 at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Carolina Panthers and Atlanta Falcons will face off next week in a winner-take-all matchup to decide the NFC South division.

Following Week 16 action in the NFC South, there are just two teams remaining in the chase to win the division. Those two teams are the Atlanta Falcons and Carolina Panthers, and they will face off against each other in Atlanta to decide the winner of the division.

More from Atlanta Falcons

With the Falcons at 6-9 and the Panthers at 6-8-1, there have been quite a few unhappy fans, owners, and analysts who think that the NFL needs to change how they decide which teams make the playoffs. That being said, something should be given to every division winner and that is exactly how the current system works. It is going to be a bloodbath next week between bitter rivals, and it is going to be a lot of fun for fans to watch.

Carolina has been extremely inconsistent this season, but they have been playing better of late. They have won three straight games and Cam Newton has shown some flashes despite missing a week following his car crash scare. Jonathan Stewart came through with a huge 122-yard performance against the Cleveland Browns, and that is exactly what the offense needed to take the next step.

The Panthers have a very talented defense as well, but have yet to play up to their potential. Everything will need to come together next week on the road against Atlanta to come away with the division title.

Atlanta on the other hand has an extremely high-powered offense when they are able to stay healthy, but their defense leaves a bit to be desired. They are dead last in the league in passing yards allowed, and that bodes very well for Newton.

Despite their poor defense, the Falcons are going to be tough to beat due to their offense. Julio Jones and Roddy White have been playing quality football, and as usual Matt Ryan has played consistently well also. The Falcons simply need to keep their running game performing at a consistent rate and they will be just fine.

Both teams are going to bring a bit extra into Week 17, and it should end up being a very close game. Whoever takes care of the football better and makes a play or two defensively will be the team that comes out on top. Expect to see a lot of heart left on the field, and it will likely get a bit tense on the field as well between the two teams.

More from FanSided

Home/Atlanta Falcons