Panthers still in control of home-field advantage in NFC

Newton and the Panthers had the ball for the final 90 minutes of the game but failed to get any production with the MVP candidate fumbling the ball after he was stripped by Vic Beasley Jr. Adrian Clayborn recovered for the Falcons, wrapping up the victory. In some ways that was to be expected: The 2015 Falcons have always been a team in transition, but this season has illuminated some key problems with the core of the team, particularly Matt Ryan, whose lackluster season has the potential to wreck any long-term plans they have. The Panthers had the ball seven more times and never saw the end zone again.

Newton said Coach Ron Rivera said the team played as if it were waiting for a turnaround that never came.

Newton threw for 142 yards and ran for 46 yards and a score for the 14-1 Panthers. With starter Jonathan Stewart having missed the last two weeks with a foot injury and being a “maybe” for Sunday, it is possible rookies Cameron Artis-Payne and Brandon Wegher will see the bulk of carries.

The Panthers’ only points after that came on two second-half field goals from Graham Gano.

Carolina’s 13 points set a season low.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) – Keita Bates-Diop scored a career-high 24 points and Ohio State won its fourth straight with a 73-57 victory against SC on Sunday night.

“I just don’t think we played smart”, Rivera said. Just like winning, we got to put that behind you and losing, you got to put that behind you. I mean, remember, they have a first-time coach in Dan Quinn and a new offensive coordinator in Kyle Shanahan. Several members of that Bears team responded by getting off the plane and making the “Super Bowl shuffle” video. Jones wound up with nine catches for 178 yards for the 8-7 Falcons. The New York Jets last did it in 2010 over the New England Patriots. Currently, Tampa Bay is still staring at a top-10 pick.

Arizona sacked Packers’ quarterback Aaron Rodgers eight times and returned two of his fumbles for touchdowns, as Carson Palmer threw for 257 yards and two touchdowns for Arizona. When teams can’t take advantage of chances especially after starting so well on the year, then that’s what separates the contenders from the pretenders.

The Chiefs’ path to the American Football Conference playoffs was aided when the Baltimore Ravens upset the Pittsburgh Steelers 20-17, ensuring a wildcard berth would go to the Chiefs.

Atlanta (8-7) hosts the New Orleans Saints (6-9) Sunday at the Georgia Dome in the season finale. 500 left Atlanta with faint playoff hopes. The biggest was a third quarter catch that led to a 70-yard touchdown. Neither could climb with Jones, who leaped up, made the catch and strolled into the end zone for the winning touchdown.