| Atlanta Falcons (1-1) at Carolina Panthers (0-2) | |||
| Game Details: Sunday, September 21, 1 p.m EST | |||
| Location: Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, NC | |||
| Where to Watch: Fox |
Coming off an impressive 28-6 victory over the Minnesota Vikings due to the performance of Bijan Robinson on Sunday Night Football, the Atlanta Falcons appear to have found their rhythm after a sluggish Week 1 performance. Meanwhile, the Carolina Panthers are searching for their first win of the season as they host their home opener against a familiar foe.
These division rivals split their season series last year, with Carolina delivering a stunning 9-7 overtime victory in Week 18 that helped end Atlanta’s playoff hopes. The Panthers hold a slight edge in the all-time series at 23-20, but the Falcons have dominated recent meetings, winning four of the last six contests.
Betting Odds
| Team | Spread | Money Line | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta Falcons | -4.5 | -230 | Over 43.5 |
| Carolina Panthers | +4.5 | +190 | Under 43.5 |
** Odds Subject to Change – Courtesy of FanDuel**
Tale of The Tape
| Atlanta Falcons | Team Stats – Avg Per Game | Carolina Panthers |
|---|---|---|
| 21 | Points Per Game | 16 |
| 198.5 | Passing Yards Per Game | 222.5 |
| 143.5 | Rushing Yards Per Game | 81 |
| 14.5 | Opponents Points Per Game Allowed | 26.5 |
| 139.5 | Opponents Pass Yards Allowed | 194.5 |
| 89.5 | Opponents Rush Yards Allowed | 141 |
Key Details
Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons’ transformation from Week 1 to Week 2 was nothing short of remarkable, with their young defensive unit leading the charge in a complete dismantling of Minnesota’s offense. Atlanta’s defense posted an incredible 53.3 percent pressure rate against the Vikings, generating 16 quarterback pressures and six sacks that kept Minnesota’s offense constantly uncomfortable.
Robinson has emerged as the engine driving Atlanta’s offensive resurgence. Through two games, Robinson has accumulated 292 yards from scrimmage, ranking as the fourth-most in franchise history through the first two games. His 167 rushing yards rank fifth league-wide, while his nine receptions demonstrate the versatility that makes him such a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses.
Carolina Panthers
The Panthers find themselves struggling to establish consistent offensive rhythm while their defense searches for the communication and execution that defined successful units. Carolina has managed just 27 total points through two contests, a concerning trend that puts enormous pressure on their defense to keep games competitive.
Despite the early struggles, there are reasons for optimism in Charlotte. The Panthers showed significant improvement in the second half against Arizona, demonstrating the type of adjustments and resilience that Canales has emphasized throughout his tenure. The defense, led by Moehrig’s veteran presence, has shown flashes of the coordinated effort needed to compete in a challenging NFC South division.
Carolina faces substantial losses on the injury front, as offensive linemen Robert Hunt and Austin Corbett have been placed on injured reserve following injuries sustained in their Week 2 loss to Arizona. The Panthers have responded by signing linebacker Maema Njongmeta from Cincinnati and center Nick Samac from Baltimore to fill roster spots and provide depth.
Prediction
Carolina looked terrible for three quarters against the Arizona Cardinals. Then, the Arizona Cardinals‘ tendency to tank happened to them, and the Panthers almost won the game. Atlanta will not let this happen; they will keep their foot on the gas and win big.
