Falcons 31, Panthers 10
Michael Turner rushed for three touchdowns and the Atlanta Falcons maintained their hold on the top spot in the NFC with a 31-10 road win over the Carolina Panthers on Sunday.
Atlanta (11-2) dominated from the start, scoring touchdowns on its first two possessions and taking a 17-0 halftime lead.
The Falcons, who have won seven straight, entered the day a game ahead of New Orleans in the NFC South and a game ahead of the Saints and Chicago Bears for the best record in the conference.
Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan threw for 227 yards on 20 of 34 passing with an interception and a 4-yard touchdown pass to tight end Tony Gonzalez. Turner scored on runs of 1, 3 and 4 yards.
Jonathan Stewart rushed for 133 yards on 18 carries for the Panthers (1-12). Mike Goodson added 70 yards on nine carries with a 13-yard touchdown in the third quarter.
Rookie quarterback Jimmy Clausen threw for 107 yards on 14 of 24 passing with an interception for the Panthers, who have lost seven straight.