The Falcons are on extra rest while Carolina is banged-up and making its lone road appearance for the first five weeks of the season.

The Falcons' defense has greatly improved holding seven of their last nine opponents to 20 points or fewer. The Panthers are severely banged-up in the offensive with both of their tackles out. Cam Newton still is experiencing accuracy problems and likely won't have his star tight end, Greg Olsen.

The Falcons have defeated the Panthers the past three times hosting them. Their winning margin has been by 11.3 points.

After facing a weak Dallas passing attack in Week 1, the Panthers will be challenged far more by Matt Ryan, Julio Jones and Co. The Falcons are helped much more than the Panthers by playing on a fast track and not a grass field.