The Atlanta Falcons (-5) are set to welcome the Carolina Panthers to Mercedes-Benz Stadium. FOX owns the TV rights and the game is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. ET.
Carolina Panthers vs. Atlanta Falcons Betting Preview
Carolina is playing the role of underdog and is currently getting 5 points in this NFC game. The Panthers are also receiving +160 moneyline odds while the Falcons are -180. Should one team can create a bunch of points in the early stages it will create a worthwhile live betting opportunity. Vegas has determined the over/under (O/U) to be 44 points.
The early action has slanted toward the Panthers, as the opening line was -6. The total has yet to move after being set initially at 44.
The Panthers have gained 1.0 unit so far in 2018 and are 1-0 against the spread (ATS). The team’s posted an O/U record of 0-1. The Falcons are down 1.1 units for moneyline bettors this season. They’re 0-1 ATS and also own an O/U record of 0-1.
The Panthers have gone 1-0 straight up (SU) and they have yet to face any NFC South opponents this year. The Falcons are 0-1 SU overall and also 0-0 SU against divisional foes.
The Panthers are looking to remain undefeated following a 16-8 win over Dallas in Week 1 where they allowed the Cowboys to pass for 170 yards and rush for 94 yards. Ezekiel Elliott had a productive day for the Cowboys in that one with 69 rushing yards and a score on 15 attempts. On the offense, Cam Newton completed 17-of-26 passes for only 161 yards. Newton (58 rushing yards on 13 attempts, one TD) also led the ground attack and was complemented by Christian McCaffrey (50 yards on 10 carries). McCaffrey (six receptions, 45 yards) and Jarius Wright (three catches, 23 yards) handled the receiving duties in the win.
Atlanta just suffered an 18-12 loss to Philadelphia last week. The team’s defensive unit allowed the Eagles to rush for 113 yards on 27 attempts, including two rush TDs. Jay Ajayi put up a solid outing, posting 62 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 15 attempts for Philadelphia. For Atlanta, Matt Ryan completed 21-of-43 passes for 251 yards and one interception. Tevin Coleman (19 yards on 9 rush attempts, one TD) handled the running game as Julio Jones (10 receptions, 169 yards) and Mohamed Sanu (four catches, 18 yards) led the pass-catching corps in the loss..
Betting Prediction: Panthers vs. Falcons
SU Winner – Falcons, ATS Winner – Panthers, O/U – Under
Click Here to Start Betting Today!
Notes
Betting Trends
The Carolina defense has sacked opposing quarterbacks six times this season. Atlanta has registered two sacks.
The Atlanta offense has lost zero fumbles this season while Carolina has let one get away
Carolina created 15 rushing touchdowns last season.
Atlanta put up 12 rushing touchdowns last season.
The Panthers put up 4.3 yards per carry last season while allowing a YPC of 4.0 to opponents.
The Falcons rushed for 4.3 yards per carry last season and allowed 4.1 yards per rush attempt to opponents.
The Carolina O-line gave up 35 sacks last season. Their defense created 50 sacks.
Falcons quarterbacks were sacked 24 times last year. Their defense recorded 39 sacks
Carolina produced 22 passing touchdowns last season.
Atlanta logged 21 passing touchdowns last season.
Atlanta was a pick ’em in its previous matchup and the Over/Under was 44.5. The under cashed and Atlanta obviously did not cover in the 18-12 defeat to Philadelphia.
In its last three matches, Atlanta is 2-1 ATS and the under cashed in each of those three.
In its last three matchups, Carolina is 1-2 ATS and the under cashed in two of those three.
Carolina was favored by 3 points in its previous game and the Over/Under going into it was 42. The under cashed and Carolina covered in the 16-8 victory over Dallas.
*****
