Carolina Panthers at Atlanta Falcons NFL Betting Lines & Predictions
The Carolina Panthers face off with the Atlanta Falcons this Sunday in a Week 2 NFC South showdown at the Georgia Dome. The Panthers will be looking to bounce back from a 10-38 beat down at the hands of the Philadelphia Eagles while the Falcons will be looking to build on a strong defensive effort which earned them a 19-7 win over the Dolphins. The Falcons and the Panthers last met in Week 12 of last season with the Dirty Birds prevailing 45-27 behind a four-touchdown explosion by running back Michael Turner. These two teams have split the 10 meetings, but Atlanta owns a 17-11 advantage in the all-time series. NFL odds makers have listed the Atlanta Falcons as 6-point home favorites with the total set at 43.
Week 2 NFL betting lines are up and ready. Bet your NFL picks at BetUS where our readers are eligible for a special $500 match bonus!
Those who thought Carolina Panthers’ quarterback Jake Delhomme’s poor performance in last year’s playoffs was a fluke may not think so any more. Delhomme was equally bad in the Panthers’ season opener against the Eagles. In his last two non-preseason games, Delhomme has thrown nine interceptions and lost two fumbles. He was pulled in the third quarter last week after throwing his fourth pick. Delhomme, who signed a contract extension in the offseason, is expected to get the start, but that doesn’t mean he will finish. He may be the most decorated signal caller in the history of the franchise, but the signing of A.J. Feeley this week tells me that Delhomme’s leash is getting very short. This week’s matchup doesn’t figure to be any easier on the veteran QB with Falcons star defensive end John Abraham breathing down his throat. It is worth noting that the Panthers are 8-1 against the spread in their last nine games following a straight up loss. If you like Delhomme to play better and for Carolina to bounce back in Week 2, bet the Panthers at +6 at BetUS.
Expect the Falcons to take a page out of the book of the Philadelphia Eagles this week. The Eagles, who always play an aggressive defense, went after Delhomme hard, forcing him to make poor decisions. I expect the Falcons to do the same with multiple blitz packages. John Abraham is one of the best in the game at getting to the quarterback and he’ll be licking his chops every time Delhomme drops back to pass is the Carolina quarterback isn’t able to regain his confidence. Abraham had two sacks in Week 1 and his pressure on Delhomme figures to be a major key in this matchup.
Offensively, look for the Falcons to make tight end Tony Gonzalez a big part of the game plan. The Panthers had some trouble in covering the Eagles’ Brent Celek last week and Gonzalez is way better playmaker. Celek was good in the possession game with six receptions to lead the Eagles. Quarterback Matt Ryan had no trouble finding his future Hall of Fame tight end in the opener. Gonzalez ended up with five grabs for 83 yards and a touchdown against Miami. Expect the Falcons to run Michael Turner to set up play action opportunities over the middle to Gonzalez. If you like Atlanta to pick up another win and cover this week, bet the Falcons at -6 at BetUS.
*Note: Jimmy Boyd owned the books on the first Sunday of the 2009 NFL season with a 3-1 performance. Make sure you consult his NFL expert picks this week for another big Sunday.
If you liked this article, you may also be interested in:
- Atlanta Falcons at Carolina Panthers NFL Lines & Betting
- Chicago Bears at Atlanta Falcons NFL Betting Lines & Picks
- Atlanta Falcons at New England Patriots NFL Betting Odds & Picks
- Carolina Panthers at Arizona Cardinals NFL Lines & Picks
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Atlanta Falcons NFL Odds & Betting
 |  |  |  |  |  |
Comments
3 Responses to “Carolina Panthers at Atlanta Falcons NFL Betting Lines & Predictions”
Got something to say?
Actually, I expect the Falcons to NOT take a page from the Eagles’ playbook.
I would normally expect to see them open with a hard nosed running game, to see of there are any immediate weaknesses in the Panthers’ D line that can be exploited. But this Sunday, I am expecting to see Ryan passing short to Norwood/Turner & Finneran on early downs (1st & 2nd) and running draws and screens on hard 3rd downs… at least through the first two possessions. This will keep the Carolina D honest as they will be keying on Turner to try and pop out of the backfield. Once they loosen up, look for the long posts and crossing routes to White and Gonzales, respectively… something that’s likely to become a trademark as the season wears on.
But then again… what do I know?
;)
Good stuff M. Franklin. Would be pretty clever of the Falcons to come out firing with Ryan through the air this week, but this team is very confident in its running game. Atlanta had good success running Turner in last year’s home meeting, but that may have the Panthers ready to key on the running game. I still think the Falcons will look to run the football as they do it very well. But whether they run it or throw short, as you mention, what they are trying to accomplish is the same thing – get the Panthers’ defense sucked up so they can hit a big play with White or Gonzalez. Once again, thanks for the good analysis.
Best to you and Carolina as well… after you kindly, of course, lose to Atlanta on your way :)
(Daddy said to keep your enemies close because you just cain’t trust them at a distance;)