The Atlanta Falcons host the Carolina Panthers on Sunday in a crucial NFC South showdown from Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The Panthers stunned the football world by upsetting the Buccs last week, while the Falcons dropped their own game, only making the division standings even more cluttered. Last year, the two shared the season series, while the Falcons have won seven of the last ten meetings in total between the two teams. This is expected to be a tightly contested match between two rivals and it’s one the fans won’t want to miss.
panthers change things
After a crazy few weeks that saw their head coach fired and their star running back traded, the Panthers stunned many last week. Entering as double-digit underdogs in Tampa Bay, they not only covered, but won by 18 points. As this is only their second win of the season, this team still has a lot of ground to make up for, but it doesn’t hurt that the NFC South has been one of the worst performing divisions in the league this season. Considering they’ll be seeing the Falcons again in just a few weeks, this group would love nothing more than to set the tone in this first matchup.
The Panthers continue to have one of the longest injury reports in the NFL and that could haunt them in this one. Quarterback remains the biggest concern, with Sam Darnold (ankle) and Matt Corral (foot) both having been ruled out. That means all eyes are on Baker Mayfield (ankle), who is likely to make a comeback. The defense also has a handful of starters carrying designations into the weekend, which would be tough for this group to overcome.
The depth at CB came in handy. https://t.co/nBQlfS2VOq
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) October 27, 2022
The Panthers are hoping Mayfield’s return to the fold might somehow energize this offense. They enter this one ranked last in the league in total yards and while the rushing game looked impressive last weekend, it remains to be seen if they can replicate that success. The Falcons have been tough against the run and with Carolina hesitant to find much success in the air, it could be a return to some struggles for this group.
On the defensive end, they’ll need to find a way to stop the Falcons on the ground, otherwise their inability to control the clock could be problematic. Overall, the Panthers have been average in the league when it comes to stopping the run and passing, though Atlanta’s offense likely poses some unique issues. Shaq Thompson (46 tackles) has been instrumental in midfield, but with injuries on the rise, it remains to be seen whether their depth will be up to snuff in this one.
Falcons looking for bounce
Atlanta is close at hand in the NFC South and there’s no doubt they could come out on top when all is said and done. Even though they lost two of their three games, including against the Bengals last week, this team has the talent to make things interesting. Wins against the 49ers and Seahawks are proving impressive, whereas prior to last week their three other losses were by a combined 11 points. It’s a great game for the Falcons and considering they’ll be heading home for this one, the home fans should definitely help them head to the finish line.
The Falcons continue to lack depth in the backfield, with Cordarelle Patterson (knee) remaining on the IR and Caleb Huntley (ill) being deemed questionable. Considering how badly the ground game has carried them this year, the lack of depth at the position could hurt them in this one. Adding a pair of cornerbacks shut out on the defensive end, and this team knows they’re walking a dangerous line to be at a serious disadvantage in this one.
“We didn’t play well in Cincinnati. Now what are we going to do about it?”
Isaiah Oliver, Dean Pees and Grady Jarrett discuss what went wrong in Cincinnati and what’s needed for the Falcons’ defense to bounce back quickly against Carolina: https://t.co/w29iuNvjRl
— Scott Bair (@ScottBairNFL) October 27, 2022
Atlanta’s chances of securing the win begin and end with their ability to find success on the court in this one. The Falcons have the fourth-best running offense in the league and given Carolina’s defensive struggles, they should be able to move the ball and control the clock, even with their lack of depth at the position. Having an experienced quarterback in Marcus Mariota certainly helps, although all eyes will be on Tyler Allgeier, who will be tasked with finding some running lanes in this one.
Defensively, Atlanta will also focus on the ground game against Carolina. As hard as the Falcons moved the ball on the ground, they were equally impressive stopping the run, as evidenced by their fifth-ranked run defense. While they also have the worst pass defense in the league, Carolina’s lack of talent in the passing offense should mean that this group won’t be as heavily challenged in this one. Rashaan Evans (64 tackles) has been an elite linebacker, but until this team generates a strong pass spurt, he won’t be able to do it alone.
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Evaluation:
The Falcons will be able to walk away with the win in this one and the ground game will be the difference on both sides to lead the way. Atlanta has one of the best running games in the league, while its running defense is also elite. The combination of these two will serve to take away Carolina’s main advantage last week and controlling the clock will allow them to win easily. Adding the fact that they will be home will only serve to add to their advantage. Additionally, according to covers.com, the Panthers are 0-5 ATS in their last five games after an ATS win, while they are also 2-7 against the gap in the last nine meetings between the two teams.
Prediction: Atlanta (-4)
Total Full Game Selection
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Evaluation:
This match will focus on being played on the ground by both teams and this will serve to lower the score. The Falcons almost only exist on the field and they will focus on continuing to move the ball on the floor and eliminate possessions in it. For the Panthers, the lack of talent at receiver is evident and after last week they will be ready to test their ground game against another divisional rival. Also, according to covers.com, unders are 13-4-1 in the last 18 meetings between these teams.
Prediction: Under 41
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