Atlanta Falcons: How the Panthers can be beaten

Nov 16, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) runs through the tackle of Carolina Panthers cornerback Josh Norman (24) during the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

As ever, there will be a number of important one-on-one matchups that will help determine the winner. What do you think is the key matchup in this game?

CS: [Julio] Jones and [Josh] Norman. Norman has gotten beat like maybe once this year.  Jones always is played tough by the Panthers, but Norman has stepped it up a notch this year and has played like no time in the past.

Jones will struggle more. If the Falcons try different formations with Jones and he runs short patterns underneath, the Panthers have their solid linebackers there to stop any potential gain.

Before the season, the two meetings between the Falcons and Panthers in December was penciled in as a stretch that could decide the NFC South title. That won’t be the case this Sunday, unfortunately. What will the final score be?

CS: Panthers 30 Falcons 13. The run game of the Falcons will be limited by the Panthers and it could be another 14 yard performance given up like against the Redskins.  Plus, if the Panthers get pressure on Matt Ryan, which is very likely, he might be right back to his fumbling self.

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I’d like to personally thank Chris Schafer for taking the time to talk to us. We can all hope his prediction of the final score is wrong and the Falcons can pull off the upset. Be sure to head over to Cat Crave for an excellent Panthers perspective on the game.