Can the Falcons take control of the NFC South? The Falcons won the previous meeting 19-17 on Nov. 16 in Charlotte and are 5-0 against NFC South teams this season. If they sweep the Panthers, they would win their fourth NFC South title and third under head coach Mike Smith (2010 and 2012). The Falcons won the division in 2004 under Jim Mora. Carolina is attempting to become the first team to repeat as division champs since the division was created in 2002.
Will this be the last game for defensive end Osi Umenyiora? The Falcons designated pass rusher at defensive end has had a fine career and won two Super Bowl rings with the New York Giants. He signed a two-year deal with the Falcons that runs out after this season. He hasn't adjusted well to playing most of his time in passing situations this season. He has only 2.5 sacks, six quarterback hits and 26 hurries over 343 snaps. He returned a fumble recovery 86 yards for a touchdown last Sunday on the final play against the New Orleans Saints.
Can running back Steven Jackson have one last flashback? Jackson left the game against the Saints with a quadriceps injury and did not return. Jackson is the Falcons' leading rusher with 707 yards on 190 carries and six touchdowns. He has also added 20 receptions for 148 yards. If he can't play against Carolina, Jacquizz Rodgers and Devonta Freeman will take over. Rodgers is steady, but Freeman can break big plays. He had a 31-yard touchdown run against the Saints last week. "If Steven can't go, those guys are going to have to do everything," Falcons offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter said. "We have no other options."
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