Hi Folks, It's that time of week, Thursday, and that means one thing: The weekly installment of the 2011 Falcons opponents series history. This week, it's the Panthers.

The Falcons lead the all time series (they only lead in five series) 20-12, going back to 1995. Last years games were a pair of 31-14 yawners, with the Falcons winning both. This is a typically close series, with a lot of these games going down to the wire, but there has been some exceptions,especially with the Falcons wins. 2002, both scores were 41-0 and 30-0 shut outs.

The two last year, and the 45-28 game in the ATL in 2008. That game was pretty good, a rather boring first half, followed by an exciting second half, which saw Michael Turner run all over the kitty kats, with some help from Matty Ice and the D. Remember the second 1998 affair in the ATL? Falcons scoring an NFL record 21 points in around 30 seconds or so, winning 51-23. The Panthers couldn't get out of their own way in that game.

The Falcons have won all three of the OT games, 1995: 20-17, 2003: 20-14, by an interception return for TD, 2004, a great 34-31 thriller, best game of that season, in my opinion. I can go over more, but there is no need to.

As for this Sunday, the game is in the ATL, which is a plus, we have been inconsistent this season overall, committing way to many penalties, and not playing a full half of football, plus the fact we are banged up, but I see some silver lining here. I believe that the Falcons will finally put one together on Sunday, and I think the Panthers will give all they have, but the Falcons will win this one, 31-20.

I expect Turner to have a good day, and look more out of Roddy and Gonzo, plus Matt will take this one by the horns, and expect he D to make some plays, like hurrying Cam Newton, making him earn everything he gets.

Ths is a game the Falcons need, because next week's opponent is the Lions, and I'll have that series to go over, and another post detailing why I think that game might a wake up call for the Falcons.