By virtue of the Carolina Panthers win over Cleveland and the Atlanta Falcons victory over New Orleans, these two teams will match up in a winner take all game next week in Atlanta.
Matt Ryan and the Falcons went into the Superdome and handed the Saints their fifth consecutive home loss, eliminating New Orleans from playoff contention. For his part, Ryan put up yet another stellar outing. He completed 30-of-40 passes for 322 yards with one touchdown and zero interceptions in the 30-14 win.
Meanwhile, Cam Newton returned to action for Carolina in a hard-fought 17-13 win over a suddenly hapless Browns team.
Sunday’s events also means that a team with a sub .500 record is guaranteed to win the NFC South and earn a playoff spot.
If Carolina wins, it will be 7-8-1 heading into the postseason. On the other hand, a Falcons win would give them a 7-9 record.
The two played back in Week 11 with Atlanta coming away victorious by the score of 19-17.
Photo: USA Today