The Panthers head to the Georgia Dome as this NFC West rivalry is renewed for the fifth consecutive season.

Last year, the Falcons posted their first season sweep of this divisional series. On opening day at Ericsson Stadium (Week 1), Falcons QB Chris Chandler overcame six sacks by the 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.

Four weeks later at the Georgia Dome (Week 5), Chandler threw for 189 yards and two more touchdowns (2 INTs), RB Jamal Anderson ran for 117 yards and a score and the Atlanta defense and special teams found their way to the end zone as Dan Reeves' club rolled to a resounding 51-23 triumph.

The Panthers are 1-3 in four previous visits to the Georgia Dome dating back to 1995.

Numbers: Panthers OLB Kevin Greene has totaled 25.0 career sacks vs. the Falcons. In 37 regular-season games with Carolina (1996, 1998-99), Greene has totaled 32.0 sacks (14.5 in '96, 15.0 in '98, 2.5 in '99).The Panthers have committed 87 turnovers in their last 38 games (13-25) dating back to '97, totaling 21 turnovers in 13 wins and 66 turnovers in 25 losses. They have amassed 30 takeaways in 13 wins, 32 takeaways in 25 losses dating back to '97. Their defense has allowed 163 points in 13 wins, 699 points in 25 losses dating back to '97.

The Falcons own a minus-11 turnover differential (6-17) in 7 games in '99, this after leading the NFL with a plus-20 turnover differential (44-24) in 16 games in '98. They have recovered two opponent's fumbles in seven games in '99, this after leading the NFL with 25 opponent's fumble recoveries in '98. The Falcons have been outscored a combined 116-30 in the first half in seven games in '99. Their offense has committed two or more turnovers in 5-of-7 contests in '99. Including playoffs, the Falcons have scored 489 points in 17 wins (28.8 PPG), but just 105 points in nine losses (11.7 PPG) dating back to '98. From 1988-93, Falcons QB Chris Chandler owned a combined 15-24 record as a starter with the Colts, Buccaneers and Cardinals, throwing 34 touchdown passes and 48 interceptions. From 1994-99 (including playoffs), Chandler is a combined 35-31 as a starter with the Rams, Oilers and Falcons, throwing 92 TD passes and just 49 interceptions. The Falcons have allowed three or more sacks in four straight games.

Things to look for: Just when the Panthers looked as if they might get their act together, they suffered a major letdown at home against the Lions, and now may be without RB Tshimanga Biakabutuka. Meanwhile, a bruised and battered Chris Chandler will now have to deal with a Carolina defense that can be abused on the ground, meaning plenty of carries for RBs Ken Oxendine and Byron Hanspard.

Etc.: The Panthers are 13-25 in their last 38 games (1997-99) after finishing 12-4 and winning the NFC West title in 1996. Including playoffs, they are 33-39 in their 72-game history (1995-99), including 18-16 vs. the NFC West.

Falcons PK Morten Andersen has scored at least one point in an NFL-record 245 straight games.