One more game. The 2024 season has had its thrilling highs and its dispiriting lows, but it will end with the Atlanta Falcons winning more games than they had the previous five seasons whether they win or lose against the Carolina Panthers. A playoff spot? Unlikely, but still yet to be determined.
If the postseason were more certain—if the Falcons had beaten the Commanders, in other words—the fact that Carolina is fresh off an awful beatdown and diminished by injuries would be great news for Atlanta. As it is, it makes for one final test—can this team with Michael Penix at the helm best or even easily best a divisional opponent just trying to limp across the finish line?