CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Atlanta Falcons and Carolina Panthers both need a win today, albeit for different reasons.
Atlanta is trying to earn a playoff spot, while Carolina’s focus is building on a two-game winning streak and carrying the momentum into next season.
The Falcons (7-5) are tied with Chicago and Detroit for the best record in the NFC among teams not leading divisions. The New York Giants are right behind at 6-6 in the chase for two wild-card spots. For a team many picked before the season to reach the NFC title game, today’s game is big for the Falcons.
“I know they’re under a lot of pressure because they are in the thick of the whole thing with everybody watching them,” Panthers coach Ron Rivera said. “They are coming in in a must-win situation.”
Falcons coach Mike Smith doesn’t need to be reminded. If the Falcons win their last four games, they’re assured of a spot in the postseason because they own the tiebreaker over the Lions.