Panthers vs. South outsiders
ATLANTA — The NFC South has a chance for bragging rights as the NFL’s strongest division with three playoff teams.
For the Panthers, two would be enough.
The Falcons will try to earn a playoff spot while the Panthers are playing for the division title when the rivals meet Sunday.
The Panthers and Saints already have secured playoff spots from the division. The Panthers ( 11- 4) would like to spoil Atlanta’s season one year after it played in the Super Bowl.
“We don’t want three teams from the NFC South in the playoffs,” Panthers cornerback Captain Munnerlyn said. “We want two. We gotta go down there and spoil their parade.”
The Falcons ( 9- 6) could make the playoffs with a loss if the Seahawks lose to the Cardinals. Atlanta’s players have only talked about earning their spot with a victory.
The Falcons also are motivated to make up for a 20- 17 loss at Carolina last month and a mistake- filled loss at New Orleans last week.
“We’ve put ourselves in a position where we’ve got an opportunity to play ourselves in,” Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan said. “At the beginning of the year, that’s what you always want this time of the year, to be in the mix.”
The Panthers already have a playoff spot, but this won’t be a situation where they will be expected to rest such key starters as quarterback Cam Newton. Carolina can clinch the NFC South with a win and a loss or tie by New Orleans. The Panthers can clinch a first- round bye with a win, a Vikings loss and losses or ties by the Saints and Rams.
Carolina has won seven of its last eight games, and coach Ron Rivera wants to take a hot team into the playoffs. That means he plans to use his starters.
“We’re approaching this game to win,” Rivera said. ‘‘ I want to keep the momentum going.”
Newton on the run
Newton has carried the ball 14 times in each of the last two games, which offensive coordinator Mike Shula said is “probably a little more than we want to.”
“He’s still going to get his carries, but we have to monitor that and do a little better than we did,” Shula said.
Newton was a huge factor on the ground in the win over the Falcons last month, rushing nine times for 86 yards and a touchdown.
High and tight
Falcons running back Devonta Freeman lost a fumble at the goal line against the Saints last week. It was his fourth fumble in the last three games, leading to extra work this week.
“What we talk about is the term high and tight as a ballcarrier,” coach Dan Quinn said. “High and tight means we’re locking the ball down, and we’re going to keep the tip of the ball up tight, and we’re locking the ball down to the body, and that elbow has to be locked. That’s why we know the issues with Freeman are correctable.”
Georgia natives
Newton, who’s from the Atlanta area, isn’t the only Carolina player who gets a little extra amped up when he returns to his home state.
Two former Georgia Bulldogs, Panthers linebacker Thomas Davis and defensive end Charles Johnson, are expected to play. Davis is returning from a one- game suspension for an illegal hit on Packers wide receiver Davante Adams.
Johnson returns after a fourgame absence for violating the league’s performance- enhancing-drug policy.
Hurting line
The Falcons have injury concerns across their offensive line. Pro Bowl center Alex Mack ( calf ) and guards Andy Levitre ( triceps) and Wes Schweitzer ( groin) have missed practice time. Tight end Levine Toilolo ( knee) could miss the game.