Carolina entered Week 18 having allowed 31.0 points per game and 396.3 total yards per game, both the highest marks in the NFL. They were also giving up a league-worst 176.9 rushing yards per game, more than 35 rushing yards than the next closest team (New York Giants, 141.6).

Playing for the NFC South title and a possible playoff berth, the Falcons got into a shootout with the Carolina Panthers that went into overtime.