Early in the season, it looked like the two December matchups between the Atlanta Falcons and Carolina Panthers would determine the winner of the NFC South. Not many predicted the Panthers would already have the title wrapped up before these two teams met for the first time.
Once 5-0, the Falcons and Panthers looked set for an entertaining two-horse race for the division title. But since beating Washington in Week 5, Atlanta has won only once in seven games. Carolina on the other hand, is yet to be handed its first defeat, and has cruised to a third straight NFC South title with a 12-0 record.