The Atlanta Falcons will be hosting the Carolina Panthers in a big NFC South encounter at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta this Sunday, October 2nd. The Panthers dropped their second game of the season last week as they were taken down 22-10 at home by the Minnesota Vikings. They’re tied for second place in the division with Tampa Bay at 2-1 on the season. Atlanta leads the division with their 2-1 mark after their 45-32 shootout win in New Orleans on Monday night.
Here’s a closer look at the odds, betting trends and pre-game summary for the Panthers vs Falcons matchup:
Panthers vs Falcons: Pinnacle NFL Betting Line:
- Pinnacle lists Carolina at -3 points at -113 with the Falcons +3 points at +102, the over/under is 50 points with the over at -110 and the under -100. Carolina is favored outright at -160 and the Falcons +144
Panthers vs Falcons Betting Trends:
Carolina Panthers:
- Season Record: 1-2 SU, 1-2 ATS
- The total has gone OVER in 5 of Carolina’s last 7 games
- The Panthers are 18-4 SU in their last 22 games
- The Panthers are 7-3 SU in their last 10 games on the road
- The Panthers are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games on the road
- The total has gone OVER in 13 of Carolina’s last 18 games on the road
- The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Carolina’s last 5 games when playing Atlanta
- The Panthers are 5-2 SU in their last 7 games when playing Atlanta
- The Panthers are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
- The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Carolina’s last 6 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
- Carolina is 2-6 SU in their last 8 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
Atlanta Falcons:
- Season record: 2-1 SU, 2-1 ATS
- The Falcons are 4-11 ATS in their last 15 games
- The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Atlanta’s last 13 games
- The Falcons are 4-8 SU in their last 12 games
- The Falcons are 4-2 SU in their last 6 games
- The Falcons are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games at home
- The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Atlanta’s last 7 games at home
- The Falcons are 1-5 SU in their last 6 games at home
- The Falcons are 2-5 SU in their last 7 games when playing Carolina
- The Falcons are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games when playing Carolina
- The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Atlanta’s last 5 games when playing Carolina
- The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Atlanta’s last 6 games when playing at home against Carolina
- The Falcons are 6-2 SU in their last 8 games when playing at home against Carolina
Carolina Panthers – A Closer Look:
Panthers’ quarterback Cam Newton was kept in check last week against Minnesota as he was sacked eight times and picked off on three occasions. He managed run in a touchdown though and gained 262 yards in the air. The loss snapped Carolina’s 14-game winning streak at home and was their second setback in just three games this season. Newton and his teammates aren’t likely to have two duds in a row though, so this should be an interesting game. The Panthers should be able to create their fair share of chances since the Falcons’ defense lacks consistency at the moment.
Newton will be looking for receiver Kelvin Benjamin after the 25-year-old didn’t record a catch against the Vikings. However, he had a combined 13 receptions in the first two weeks for close to 200 yards. He also chipped in with three touchdowns, including a pair against San Francisco in week 2 action. Newton can also target tight end Greg Olsen as he leads the Panthers with 259 receiving yards as well as 18 receptions. Running-wise, Fozzy Whittaker will be depended on as Jonathan Stewart is injured. Whittaker’s best performance this year was 16 carries for 100 yards against San Francisco.
Atlanta Falcons – A Closer Look:
Atlanta leads the NFC South for the moment after their big win over the Saints. Quarterback Matt Ryan passed for 240 yards in the game and threw for a pair of touchdowns. He was also helped out on the ground by Tevin Coleman and Devonta Freeman. Coleman scored three touchdowns while Freeman led the way with 152 rushing yards. Coleman also had 47 yards on three receptions. Wide receiver Julio wasn’t as effective though as he gained 16 yards on just one reception last week. However, he racked up a combined nine receptions, two touchdowns and 172 yards in the first two games.
The Atlanta defense will need to be at its best on Sunday. They forced New Orleans to turn the ball over twice last week and rookie linebacker Deion Jones picked off a pass and ran 90 yards for a touchdown. They might find the going a little tougher against Newton and his teammates though as the Panthers boast several fine playmakers in their lineup.
Next up for both teams:
- Carolina is at home to Tampa on Oct. 10th
- Atlanta is at Denver on Oct. 9th
By Ian Palmer