The Carolina Panthers (0-1) and Atlanta Falcons (0-1) face off in NFL Week 2 today. Kickoff is set for 1:00 p.m. ET from Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ga. The game will broadcast live on FOX.
The Panthers are 2.5-point favorites over the Falcons on the spread (Panthers -2.5), with the over/under set at 43.5 points. Carolina is a 57¢ favorite to win outright, while Atlanta is a 43¢ underdog.
Let's get into my Panthers vs Falcons predictions for today's Week 2 NFC South battle.
Panthers vs Falcons Prediction
- Panthers vs Falcons pick: Over 43.5
My Panthers vs Falcons best bet is Over 43.5. Find the best price by checking our live NFL odds page.
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Panthers vs Falcons Odds
Panthers vs Falcons NFL Week 2 Preview
Panthers Betting Preview: Rebound Spot?
The Panthers are coming off a 59-37 loss to the Bears.
Carolina's defense was absolutely gashed on the ground, giving up a combined 224 yards and four touchdowns to D'Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai. The Panthers will look to bounce back against the Falcons on the road.
It's a favorable spot for them because Cooper Rush is forced to start once again for Atlanta. The veteran quarterback struggled against the Steelers, putting up only 143 yards on 22 pass attempts.
The good news for Carolina is that Bryce Young looked terrific in Week 1, completing 23-of-37 passes for 367 yards and three touchdowns. When he faced the Falcons in Atlanta last year, he threw for 448 yards and three touchdowns.
Falcons Betting Preview: Big Game From Bijan?
The Falcons are coming off a 20-13 loss against the Steelers in Week 1. They'll try to bounce back at home against their NFC South division rivals.
While Cooper Rush struggled in Week 1, the Panthers' issues in run defense could play right into the Falcons hands here. Don't be surprised if Bijan Robinson has a monster game. Robinson totaled 173 yards and scored a touchdown in a losing effort in Week 1.
Last year at home against the Panthers, Robinson rushed for 104 yards on 23 carries.
Panthers vs Falcons Prediction, Betting Analysis
I'm going with Panthers/Falcons Over 43.5.
The fact that this line is set above the key number of 43 despite Cooper Rush starting speaks volumes to me.
This is a bet on the game environment. Playing indoors in Atlanta is great for a high-scoring game. We saw that when these two teams met in Atlanta last year, when the Panthers won 30-27.
I'm betting on Bijan Robinson having a huge game, with Bryce Young building on his Week 1 performance. With two stud wideouts in Tetairoa McMillan and Jalen Coker, the Panthers offense may be better than we thought.
All we need is a 24-20 result to hit this one, so we'll ride with the Over here.
Pick: Over 43.5
