When the week began, the Falcons were tied for top in the NFC South with the Panthers, but after a 25-15 Panthers victory.
Carolina was back in the playoff hunt.
With this victory, the Panthers have closed the gap to within 1.5 games of the division-leading Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Panthers' defense bounced back in a big way despite having a short week to prepare for this week's game.
The Falcons failed to reach 300 total yards, had two turnovers, and carried the ball just 23 times (ten less than their average).
Thanks to the efforts of defensive end Marquis Haynes, the Panthers were able to stave off a furious comeback by the Falcons in the final minutes.