Panthers blow out Falcons to take NFC South crown

The Carolina Panthers are improbable NFC South champions for a second straight year after blowing out the Atlanta Falcons 34-3 in a win-and-you're-in Week 17 game.

Here's what you need to know:

• With a record of 7-8-1, the Panthers are the second team in NFL history to make the playoffs with a losing record (Seattle Seahawks, 2010).
• The Panthers are also the first team in the 13-year history of the NFC South division to repeat as champions.
• The Panthers' defense was the difference in Sunday's game. Matt Ryan had rushers in his face all afternoon and the pressure influenced him to throw two pick-6s. 
• It didn't help the Falcons that the team couldn't establish a running game. With Steven Jackson inactive, Jacquizz Rodgers and Devonta Freeman combined to carry the ball 15 times for 57 yards.
• Panthers cornerback Josh Norman was also instrumental in the win. He left with an injury in the fourth quarter, but prior to that shadowed Julio Jones and held the star wideout to four catches for 58 yards. 
• Kelvin Benjamin had a very shaky game, dropping several passes and hauling in only one pass, but it was enough for him to finish his rookie season over the 1,000-yard mark. 
• The Falcons finish their season at 6-10.