The Atlanta Falcons have one game left on their regular-season schedule but they’re not totally out of the NFC South race. If the New Orleans Saints can upset the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on the road in Week 18, the Falcons could sneak into the playoffs with a win over the Carolina Panthers.
Even if the Saints don’t pull the upset, Sunday’s season finale in Atlanta presents another chance for rookie Michael Penix Jr. to give the fans a glimpse of the future.
According to the Falcons’ social media account, the team will wear all-black uniforms in Sunday’s NFC South showdown at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
All black for Week 18
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) January 2, 2025
Last weekend, Penix and Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels impressed on “Sunday Night Football.” In Week 18, the Falcons rookie will face off against former No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young. Atlanta is heavily favored, however, the Panthers present a tougher challenge than their 4-12 record might have you believe.
Back in Week 6, the Falcons dominated Carolina, 38-20, but the Panthers have consistently been competitive over the second half of the season. Sunday’s game starts at 1 p.m. ET at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.