With the race for the NFC South title in full swing, the defending champion Atlanta Falcons (4-3) travel to Bank of America Stadium to take on the 2015 champion Carolina Panthers (5-3).
The division won’t be decided Sunday, but with a three-way battle between these two teams and the New Orleans Saints (5-2), the loser will have an uphill climb over the second half of the season.
The game will be brought to you and your adoring family and friends on the FOX network of affiliates at 1 p.m. EST.
The Game: Atlanta Falcons at Carolina Panthers (+1.5)
The History
The Falcons and Panthers have played 44 times since 1995. They’ve been in the same division since Carolina entered the league, beginning in the NFC West and now in the NFC South. Atlanta leads the all time series 27-17.
Last year the Falcons swept Carolina, winning 48-33 at the Georgia Dome on October 2, 2016 and 33-16 on December 24, 2016 at Bank of America Stadium.
Atlanta has won the last three games in a row after losing five of the previous six contests.
ATLANTA FALCONS (4-3)
Atlanta just halted a pathetic three game skid with a come from behind win over the New York Jets last week. Matt Ryan actually made it through a game without throwing an interception, which is cause for celebration these days. He finished 18 of 29 for 254 yards and two touchdowns against New York.
Most of the ground work was done by Tevin Coleman, who continues to audition for another team in 2018. Coleman carried the ball 14 times for 82 yards. Devonta Freeman had 12 carries for 41 yards and likely cost you your fantasy week.
Needless to say, Atlanta’s offense still isn’t fixed. The fact that they actually looked OK against a Jets team we all thought would be tanking when the season began isn’t much to celebrate. Mohammad Sanu caugth six passes for 74 yards and a touchdown. Julio Jones had three catches for 74 yards as well. Austin Hooper caught four passes for 47 yards and a score. In all, Ryan hit seven different receivers which is hard to do when you’re dealing with a hangover since last February.
The Falcons are dealing with just one real injury. Outside linebacker Duke Riley is listed as out, but everyone else should play after practicing all week.
CAROLINA PANTHERS (5-3)
The Panthers can’t seem to put consecutive weeks together. They beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 17-3 after losing 17-3 to the Chicago Bears the week before. They dropped a 28-23 game to the Philadelphia Eagles two weeks ago. Two weeks before that, they beat the New England Patriots in Foxborough, 33-30.
Here’s what we’re not going to get, Kelvin Benjamin catching passes from Cam Newton. For some reason Carolina saw fit to give away their second best offensive player to the Buffalo Bills for a QuickLube coupon this week.
What does this mean for the Panthers offense? If this was a college team, I’d assume they were moving Christian McCaffrey to wide receiver and line him up outside opposite Devin Funchess. Since it’s not, I’m really not sure what they’re going to do. On the official depth chart, Russell Shepard is listed as the outside starter. He’s caught 11 passes for 133 yards and one touchdown this season. I guess this is the “speed” Carolina general manager Matt Hurney was talking about.
Ryan Kalil is out again for the Panthers, as is offensive tackle John Theus. Trai Turner didn’t practice most of the week, but did dress out Friday. He’s officially questionable. Running back Fozzy Whitaker is questionable as well, but he practiced Thursday and Friday.
The Pick
Atlanta barely survived against the Jets last week. To make up for the advantage they would have in this one, Carolina traded away its second best offensive player. Cam Newton will have even more on his injured shoulders now. I still think he gets it done. Panthers 20, Falcons 17
This week
Straight up: 0-1
Against the spread: 0-1
Last week
Straight up: 9-4
Against the spread: 8-5
Season
Straight up: 69-50
Against the spread: 58-61
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