NFL: Carolina 30 Atlanta 20

Cam Newton passed for two touchdowns and ran for another Sunday, powering the Carolina Panthers to a 30-20 victory over Atlanta. Newton's 72-yard scoring run early in the second half put the Panthers ahead 23-0 and Carolina (4-9) went on to win for the second time in three contests. The rookie signal-caller completed 23-of-35 for 287 yards -- hooking up with Greg Olsen and Deangelo Williams on TD tosses -- and added 116 yards rushing on nine carries. His favorite target was Steve Smith, who made seven catches for 109 yards in the win. The Falcons (11-2) were led by Matt Ryan (34-of-49, 342 yards, two touchdowns, one interception) and Roddy White (nine catches, 117 yards, one touchdown) in the setback. Atlanta missed a chance to clinch the first-round playoff bye with the loss.