2020 NFL picks, score predictions for Week 8

Atlanta Falcons (1-6) at Carolina Panthers (3-4)

Thursday, October 29, 8:20PM ET

There is a lot to like about this Carolina Panthers team. They’re resilient, they’ve got a consistent offense and a level-headed quarterback who knows how to win. Unfortunately, they just aren’t as explosive or dependable defensively as they need to be to win on a weekly basis.

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Luckily for them, they’re scheduled to take one the Atlanta Falcons in Week 8.

That puts them up against a divisional foe that seems incapable of avoiding shooting itself in the foot. All year long, Atlanta has played the part of a capable contender but finds ways to cost itself in the final quarter or digs itself into too deep a hole in the first three.

That should be the case again in Week 8. Look for Teddy Bridgewater to carve up a Falcons secondary that’s among the worst in the league, while the Carolina defense does just enough to keep Matt Ryan from wrecking them.

Ultimately, the Panthers prevail as the Falcons collapse in the second half. Carolina needs a bounce-back win after two straight Ls, and this is the ideal opportunity to earn it. If they can’t, it might be time to hit the panic button for Matt Rhule’s squad.

Prediction: Panthers win 31-27