On the surface, Sunday’s matchup between the 5-5 Carolina Panthers and the 3-6 Atlanta Falcons doesn’t seem all that interesting. Both teams’ quarterbacks are a bit out of sync, both stud running backs are running a tad cold and neither squad played inspiring football in their last outings.

But this NFC South battle may have a few intriguing short- and long-term implications.

Here are the biggest storylines for Sunday’s divisional bout in Atlanta . . .

Long gone?

For the third time in as many seasons, the lack of a long ball under quarterback Bryce Young has become a talking point.

Young, over his last three games, has completed 43 of his 70 passes for 364 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. And of those 70 throws, only four traveled at least 20 yards downfield.

Head coach Dave Canales provided an interesting answer (or non-answer) when asked on Monday if Young is comfortable with throwing deep. Instead of directly answering the question, Canales stated that the offense will “have to just keep growing as a group.”

There hasn’t been much growth for Young, who was successfully singled out by the Saints defense in Week 10. New Orleans sold out to stop the run and challenged Young to beat them through the air. He could not.

Unfortunately for the Panthers, they’re facing a more talented defense in Atlanta, which has allowed the fewest passing yards per game (162.3) in the NFL. But can Young let it rip and open up Carolina’s seemingly one-dimensional offense?

Hold the Bijan

The first meeting between these two teams back in Week 3 was a bit of a shocker, as the Panthers blanked the Falcons en route to a 30-0 victory. And the most surprising byproduct of that outcome may have been the Carolina defense, which is not known for their ability to stop the run, holding star running back Bijan Robinson to just 72 rushing yards.

Sure, 72 yards isn’t nothing—especially when he also averaged 5.5 yards per tote. But it was a far cry from what Robinson did to the Panthers in 2024, where he ran them over for 265 yards and four touchdowns on 43 carries.

Like the Falcons must do with Rico Dowdle, the Panthers have to limit the damage from Robinson. Keeping the explosive back at bay could force the game into the hands of quarterback Michael Penix Jr.—who threw for a season-low 4.8 yards per attempt in Carolina.

Oh, and we can’t forget Robinson’s backfield mate, Tyler Allgeier, either. He’s fresh off a two-touchdown performance in Atlanta’s Week 10 loss to the Indianapolis Colts.

Back on track?

There’s no two ways about it—the Panthers absolutely blew a golden opportunity to pick up ground in the NFC South race last week.

Not only did they fumble their chance at taking care of a one-win Saints team at home, but the division-leading Buccaneers also dropped their Week 10 contest to the New England Patriots. Had Carolina won, they’d be only half a game behind Tampa.

But all hope is not lost, at least for now.

The Panthers certainly have a shot at coming out on top over a struggling Falcons team. Plus, the Bucs are up against another tough AFC East opponent in the 6-3 Buffalo Bills on Sunday.

So if Carolina has playoff aspirations, this tilt in A-Town is a big one—especially with the San Francisco 49ers and the Los Angeles Rams looming in Weeks 12 and 13.

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