CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Eddy Pineiro kicked a 23-yard field goal as time expired and the Carolina Panthers defeated Atlanta 9-7 in a steady downpour Sunday, dealing the Falcons playoff hopes a huge blow.
The win by the Panthers (2-12) means the New England Patriots (3-13) now trail Carolina by just one game for the number one pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Atlanta (6-8) entered the game tied with New Orleans and Tampa Bay for first place in the NFC South, but now find themselves needing help to get into the postseason after the Saints and Buccaneers both won to improve to 7-7.