Falcons 30, Panthers 28
Matt Ryan tossed three touchdown passes - including a pair to Roddy White - and engineered a late drive that led to Matt Bryant's game-winning 40-yard field goal as host Atlanta improved to 4-0 for the first time since 2004.
After Cam Newton fumbled on his bid to secure a first down to end the game, Carolina was forced to punt and the Falcons received the ball on their own 1. Ryan, who completed 25 of 40 passes for 369 yards, connected with White on a long pass into Panthers' territory - setting up Bryant's game-winning field goal with five seconds remaining.
White finished with eight catches for 169 yards while Michael Turner added 171 yards from scrimmage - highlighted by his 60-yard screen pass for a score.
Newton tossed two touchdown passes and rushed for a score for the Panthers (1-3). His 36-yard touchdown to Kealoha Pilares capped a six-play, 88-yard drive and gave Carolina a 28-24 lead.
DeAngelo Williams collected his franchise-best 40th career rushing touchdown with a 13-yard score.
GAME NOTEBOOK: The Falcons have won the last five meetings and 23 of 35 overall between the two division rivals. ... Ryan was sacked a career-high seven times, with 3 1/2 going to Carolina DE Charles Johnson. ... Turner's touchdown reception was the first of his career.