Falcons–Panthers rivalry
National Football League rivalry
The Falcons–Panthers rivalry or I-85 rivalry is a National Football League (NFL) rivalry between the Atlanta Falcons and the Carolina Panthers.
The rivalry began in 1995 when the Panthers joined as an expansion team. The two teams have been in the same division since the Panthers joined the league, and thus play each other twice a year. For their first seven years, the Panthers were alongside the Falcons in the NFC West. In 2002, both teams would be put in the newly established NFC South.
It is known as the "I-85 rivalry" due to Atlanta and Charlotte being only four hours apart on Interstate 85. Games between the two teams feature large contingents of visiting fans in both cities.
The Falcons lead the overall series, 37–26. The two teams have not met in the playoffs.
History
1995–1999: Beginnings
Carolina's first ever regular season game was a tightly contested 23–20 overtime loss to the Falcons on September 3, 1995.
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