2021 NFL picks, score predictions for Week 8

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

Sunday, October 31, 1PM ET

Since Christian McCaffrey got hurt, the Carolina Panthers have been stuck in meltdown mode. It’s gotten so bad that Sam Darnold has been benched and they’ve suffered four straight losses. It’s safe to label them as “pretenders” after their 3-0 start to the season.

Meanwhile, the Atlanta Falcons are making a quiet bounce back after a rough start to the 2021 campaign. They’ve won three of their last four games and have shown tremendous resilience. As long as the offense continues to click, the Falcons will continue to be a threat as we inch closer to the midway point of the season.

Matt Ryan has been playing like his old self, and he’s been able to rely on a handful of emerging weapons. Cordarrelle Patterson has finally found his groove as an offensive playmaker, and Kyle Pitts is living up to the billing as a game-changing option in the passing game.

The Panthers are reeling, and the tough times aren’t going to end in Week 8. Whether Darnold or P.J. Walker gets the start, the Falcons should be able to walk away with the win.

Prediction: Falcons win 26-23 | Spread: Falcons (-2.5)