Carolina Panthers at Atlanta Falcons |
Carolina is 1-4 on the season but much better off than last year’s 2-14 mark due to the play of rookie quarterback Cam Newton, who is the only player in NFL history with five-plus passing and rushing touchdowns each in his first five games.
“We’re real close, but close doesn’t get you nowhere,” commented Newton this week. “And that’s probably the most disheartening thing, knowing how close we are to get that win.”
The Panthers rush defense will need to tighten up this week in facing Falcons running back Michael Turner, as the unit is allowing 135.2 yards per game on the ground, which is 27th in the NFL.
Carolina’s 39 plays of 20 yards or more leads the NFL, as wide receiver Steve Smith leads the NFL with 609 receiving yards, while also pacing the league with four receptions of 50 yards or more.
Atlanta is 2-3 on the year after coming off a season of having the best record in the NFC, but has a chance to bounce back due to quarterback Matt Ryan winning all three home starts against the Panthers in his career.
The Falcons eighth-ranked rush defense will be tested in this game, as they will be looking to slow down the Panthers running back duo of Jonathan Stewart and DeAngelo Williams. Stewart is averaging 4.4 yards per carry this season and Williams checks in at 5.6.
In the overall series, Atlanta is 20-12, winning the last two meetings.
sportsbook Bettors will find that the Falcons are 8-3 ATS as a favorite of 3.5 to 9.5 points, while the ‘over’ is 6-5 in those contests.
