Atlanta Falcons must not sleep on Colts, and need someone to step up on offense

Nov 15, 2015; Nashville, TN, USA; Carolina Panthers tight end Ed Dickson (84) reacts after catching a pass for a touchdown against the Tennessee Titans during the first half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports

2. Who can stop the Carolina Panthers?

It’s almost Thanksgiving, and the Carolina Panthers are yet to lose a game. After losing star receiver Kelvin Benjamin in training camp, it was hard to see where the Panthers were going to get continuous production on offense. But it’s the piece that holds everything together, Cam Newton, that is keeping the offense humming. 

The past two seasons, the No. 1 seed from both conference has reached the Super Bowl. Home field advantage can make all the difference once you reach the playoffs.

Love him or hate him, Newton is a playmaker. He’s as tough as they come and isn’t afraid to lower his shoulder and take a hit to move the chains. Newton puts it all on the line each week and finds ways to win football games. When you have a strong defense to back it up, you have a winning formula.

Can anybody stop them?

After hosting Washington this Sunday, Carolina hits the road four times in five weeks. The team has shown plenty of grit this season, and it will need all of that during this stretch. The first game is with the Dallas Cowboys, who now have Tony Romo and Dez Bryant back. Dallas is desperate in its attempt to get back in the NFC East hunt. Following this is a road trip to the Superdome. Divisional games are never easy.

The Panthers won’t go undefeated, but with nine wins in the bag and a two-game cushion atop the NFC, it’s going to take a lot to stop the playoffs running through Bank of America Stadium.

Next: Who will step up?