Panthers vs. Falcons: Preview, odds, prediction, live stream for Week 2
The Carolina Panthers look to take firm control of the NFC South in Week 2 as they go on the road to face the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday.
Last week didn’t go as planned for the Atlanta Falcons as they looked almost completely out of sorts in a loss to the Eagles. However, their NFC South rivals, the Carolina Panthers, took care of their business at home last week as they topped the Cowboys. Now these two divisional rivals will square off in Atlanta in a crucial early-season matchup.
The bad news for the Falcons coming into this game is that they are severely short-handed. On offense, an injury from last week leaves running back Devonta Freeman out for this matchup. This team looked lost on offense last week under Steve Sarkisian’s second year of direction, but without Freeman, it’s hard to see that taking a turn for the better.
On the other side of the ball, Atlanta will be without two of their most crucial defenders. Safety Keanu Neal, who is a do-it-all playmaker on the back end for this team, is out for the year now with a torn ACL. What’s more, linebacker Deion Jones is out indefinitely with an injury, which is every bit as detrimental to this defense.
That is especially true in a matchup with the Panthers. With Cam Newton and running back Christian McCaffrey able to effectively attack the middle of the field, they should be able to have a monstrous day at the office on Sunday. They may be able to move the ball at will in this matchup, and their defense remains stout.
TV and Live Stream Info
Date: Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018
Start Time: 1:00 p.m. ET
Location: Atlanta, GA
Stadium: Mercedes-Benz Stadium
TV Info: FOX
Live Stream: NFL Sunday Ticket, FuboTV
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Given the injuries for the Falcons, you might think that the line for this one, even with Atlanta playing at home, might be a tight one. However, that’s not the case, which is even more surprising considering that the odds indicate that this one might be low-scoring.
Betting Odds
Point Spread: Atlanta -6
Moneyline: Atlanta -245, Carolina +205
Over/Under: 44
All odds courtesy of Odds Shark
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Prediction
With how the Falcons looked last week in addition to the injuries they’re currently dealing with on defense, I just don’t see an easy path to success for them in this matchup. The Panthers are in a position where they can exploit those weaknesses and, as such, should be able to go on the road and ultimately move to 2-0 on the season.
Final Score: Carolina 27, Atlanta 17