This should be a great matchup.  In week #4 the Panthers pounded the Falcons 24-9 in Carolina.  But, the Panthers have not really played too well on the road this season.  They are 2-2 on the road but they have been outscored 77-56 in those games.  The Falcons have really been a great home team as they are 4-1 in Atlanta and they have outscored the opponents 148-99!  The Panthers will likely attempt to keep the ball on the ground with D’Angelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart who each rushed for over 100 yards last week.  The Falcons allow 119.6 yards rushing per game and 4.9 ypc so the Panthers should have some success on the ground tomorrow.  The Panthers must keep DE John Abraham (11 sacks) out of their backfield or Jake Delhomme could have some trouble.  The Falcons allow 226.4 yards passing per game this season so if Delhomme has time to throw then Steve Smith and Mushin Muhammad could have big games.

The Falcons’ offensive line has been great this season as they have only allowed 12 sacks while averaging 153.4 yards rushing per game.  The Panthers are allowing 107.6 yards rushing per game this season and 4.0 ypc so Michael Turner and Jerious Norwood should have good games.  The Falcons must keep DE Julius Peppers (9 sacks) out of the backfield to give Matt Ryan time to throw the ball.  Ryan better be careful because the Panthers have more interceptions (9) then the opponents have TD passes (8).  Still, Ryan will be looking for Roddy White often as he is having a monster season.

PREDICTION:  ATLANTA FALCONS 30, CAROLINA PANTHERS 27