Carolina Panthers vs. Atlanta Falcons Betting Preview
Where: Georgia Dome, Atlanta
When: Sunday, October 2, 2016, 1:00 PM ET
Line: Carolina Panthers (+3) at Atlanta Falcons (-3) – view all NFL lines
TV Broadcast: FOX
Writer’s Pick: Carolina Panthers (+3)
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Betting on the Carolina Panthers (+3)
Cam Newton was held down in Sunday’s loss (22-10) to the Vikings. He had three of his passes intercepted, and was sacked eight times before finishing the game with 262 passing yards and one rushing score, which was the Carolina Panthers’ lone TD of the game.
The setback also snapped the Panthers’ 14-game home winning streak, and handed them their second loss of the year. This is indeed an unexpected start for Carolina, a team which entered the new season as one of the leading favorites to win it all, but it’s too early to make any definitive statements.
As for next week’s matchup with the Falcons though, you can expect Newton and co. to bounce back in a big way. The Atlanta defense isn’t exactly one of the best or one of the most consistent in the league today. Thus, the Panthers are bound to seize and create numerous opportunities here.
Newton is definitely going to find Kelvin Benjamin, who was held catch-less against Minnesota, this time around. Prior to Week 3, the 25-year-old receiver had accumulated 13 receptions for nearly 200 yards along with three touchdowns, two of those coming against the 49ers in Week 2.
Besides Benjamin, Greg Olsen is another go-to-option for Newton. The veteran tight end has been the most consistent catcher for the Panthers, as he currently leads the team in receptions (18), targets (26) and receiving yards (259).
On the ground, meanwhile, the Panthers can continue relying on Fozzy Whittaker, while Jonathan Stewart (hamstring) remains sidelined. Whittaker exploded in the win over San Francisco, rumbling for 100 yards on 16 carries.
Betting on the Atlanta Falcons (-3)
With the 45-32 win over the Saints on Monday night, not only did the Atlanta Falcons capture their second win of the season, but they also took sole possession of first spot in the NFC South.
Matt Ryan was solid in their recent win, passing for 240 yards to go along with two touchdowns and zero picks. The Atlanta quarterback also received big-time support on the ground thanks to Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman.
Freeman led all backs with 152 yards rushing, while Coleman found the end zone thrice and was also a factor in the passing game with three receptions for 47 yards. Both will strive to find some success in this Sunday’s encounter against one of their division rivals—the Panthers.
Star wide receiver Julio Jones will also be looking to get himself going. He had a quiet performance (one catch for 16 yards) in the game with New Orleans, but this guy can turn into a high-flying, pass-catching machine at any given moment. Jones, prior to Week 3, had piled up 172 yards on nine receptions and two scores through two weeks.
The Falcons defense, however, needs to step it up even more in this divisional matchup. Atlanta managed to force the Saints to a pair of turnovers on Monday, one of which was caused by rookie linebacker Deion Jones, who returned an interception 90 yards for a touchdown. Limiting a Carolina offense that’s filled with many playmakers and one that’s led by Cam Newton is a totally different thing, though.
Writer’s Prediction
The Panthers (+3) pound the Falcons, beating them by almost 20 points.
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