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NFL Playoffs 2016: 5 reasons Carolina Panthers will still make it

By Kareem Gantt

Nov 17, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) runs the ball in the third quarter against the New Orleans Saints at Bank of America Stadium. The Panthers defeated the Saints 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 17, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) runs the ball in the third quarter against the New Orleans Saints at Bank of America Stadium. The Panthers defeated the Saints 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 2, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Carolina Panthers tight end Greg Olsen (88) catches a touchdown pass in the fourth quarter of their game against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome. The Falcons won 48-33. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 2, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Carolina Panthers tight end Greg Olsen (88) catches a touchdown pass in the fourth quarter of their game against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome. The Falcons won 48-33. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

4.The Atlanta Falcons could always implode

Guess who leads the NFC South?

If you guessed the Atlanta Falcons, you should be on Wheel of Fortune because you’re a pretty darn good player.

The Matt Ryan-led Falcons are leading the NFC South pack at 7-4 and everyone now assumes that the division is there’s for the taking. But that was also said last year, and in 2014, and both years, the Falcons managed to choke down the stretch when it matters the most.

So with essentially the same team back, there is no reason not to suspect that the Dirty Birds of Atlanta could very well be in for another epic collapse. Besides, it’s happened the last two seasons, so why not this season? At a time when Carolina needs it most?

Look at it from this senario: If the Falcons lose their remaning five games, and the Panthers win out, we could be in for an interesting situation out of the South.

If the Panthers can manage to win out and the Falcons slip up down the stretch, the Panthers have a shot at getting back to the postseason and, possibly, sending the Falcons down the dark rabbit hole yet again for old-time’s sake.

Next: 3. Offensive Weapons of Mass Destruction

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