The Falcons make their way to Ericsson Stadium in position to sweep this short-lived NFC West rivalry for the second consecutive year.

Four weeks ago at the Georgia Dome (Week 8), Falcons QB Chris Chandler threw for 201 yards and two touchdowns, both of those scores to WR Tim Dwight, and the Atlanta defense came up with five takeaways as Dan Reeves' team held on for a 27-20 victory.

Falcons have prevailed in the last 3 encounters and now own a 5-4 edge in this series.

As for the Falcons' last appearance at Ericsson Stadium (Week 1 of '98), Chandler overcame six sacks by Panthers' defense (3 by Panthers OLB Kevin Greene) to throw for 268 yards and a pair of scores as Atlanta posted its first-ever road win in this rivalry, 19-14.

The Falcons are 1-3 in 4 previous road tilts in this series dating back to 1995.

Numbers: Panthers OLB Kevin Greene has totaled 26.0 career sacks vs. the Falcons. In 41 regular-season games with Carolina (1996, 1998-99), Greene has totaled 35.0 sacks (14.5 in '96, 15.0 in '98, 5.5 in '99).

The Falcons have recovered four opponent's fumbles in 10 games in '99, this after leading the NFL with 25 opponent's fumble recoveries in '98. The Falcons own a minus-11 turnover differential (12-23) in 10 games in '99, this after leading the NFL with a plus-20 turnover differential (44-24) in 16 games in '98. They have been outscored a combined 149-60 in the first half in 10 games in '99. The Falcons have scored 47 points in two wins, 80 points in 8 losses in '99, including 14 or fewer points in each of those eight setbacks. They have committed two or more turnovers in 7-of-10 contests in '99. They have totaled three or more sacks in three straight games. Including playoffs, the Falcons have scored 516 points in 18 wins (28.7 PPG), but just 122 points in 11 losses (11.1 PPG) dating back to '98.

The Panthers have scored 122 points in four wins, 105 points in six losses in '99. They have committed 96 turnovers in their last 42 games (15-27) dating back to '97, totaling 22 turnovers in 15 wins and 74 turnovers in 27 losses. The Panthers have amassed 37 takeaways in 15 wins, 34 takeaways in 27 losses dating back to '97. They have allowed 187 points in 15 wins, 761 points in 27 losses dating back to '97. The Panthers have allowed 440 points and 49 offensive touchdowns in 20 home games since 1997 (6-14) after giving up just 97 points and nine offensive TDs in nine games (9-0) at Ericsson Stadium (including playoffs) in '96. They have forced two or more turnovers in three straight games.

Things to look for: Who would have thought that before December, George Seifert's Panthers would have twice as many victories as the defending NFC champions. But nothing has gone right for Dan Reeves' team this year and it figures to be a long night against a Carolina team that can put points on the board with any team. Too bad Atlanta's offense isn't healthy enough to exploit Seifert's shaky defense.

Etc.: Falcons PK Morten Andersen has scored at least one point in an NFL-record 248 straight games. Falcons FS Eugene Robinson (56) needs one interception to tie Bobby Boyd, Johnny Robinson, Mel Blount and Everson Walls (57) for 9th place on the NFL's all-time interception list. Including playoffs, the Panthers are 35-41 in their 76-game history (1995-99), including 18-18 vs. the NFC West. Including playoffs, the Panthers are 15-14 lifetime at Ericsson Stadium dating back to '97. The Panthers are just 15-27 in their last 42 games (1997-99) after finishing 12-4 and winning the NFC West title in 1996.