How do Atlanta Falcons stack up against the NFC South rivals?

Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

Carolina Panthers

Ravished by injuries to their main passing option, the Panthers may limp their way into some heated battles with the Falcons that may be hoping to strap on the backs of Carolina’s elite defense. But, as the Panther’s offense searches for answers outside of injured Kelvin Benjamin, how does the Falcons offense stack up against the pack of hungry defenders?

It’s obvious that the Falcons will hope to air the ball out as the running room will be hard to come by against a front seven that may be one of the best in the NFL. And as Matt Ice hopes to spread the ball around, he may find a little room here and there, but the battles in week 14 and week 16 may very well be low scoring affairs.

But with all things considered, what are some of the strengths and weaknesses that may push one of these teams into the division title hopes?

Panthers strengths

• Defense – As mentioned above, the defense will become the hallmark for the Panthers in the bouts with the Falcons. This is one of the best in the NFL, and could make the potent offense of the Falcons very one dimensional and easy to keep off the scoreboard.
• Cam Newton – It’s hard to not include Cam as a strength for this team. Though he may be without his favorite target, he is still a very good NFL quarterback who demands for defenses to plan around him. If he can get loose, the scoreboard could light up quickly.

Carolina weakness

• Receivers – Outside of Benjamin, the Panthers were already thin on the depth chart. Now with Benjamin out, it is almost certain that this could be one of the most difficult obstacles to conquer…especially against a defense putting the pressure on the quarterback as the Falcons will look to do.

Carolina X-Factor

• Greg Olsen – This is arguably one of the better tight ends in the NFL, but the question mark of him getting the added attention now is uncertain. But, if he is able to shed off defenders, he could single-handedly put an end to the Falcons division hopes.

Prediction: Series split 1-1

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