This is a 10* TOTAL DESTROYER on the OVER Falcons/Panthers.

Atlanta's been playing better of late, but it enters off a heartbreaking 23-22 loss to the Lions to fall to 1-6.

Carolina enters now desperate as well, as it comes in off a second straight loss, most recently a 27-24 setback to the Panthers on Sunday.

Carolina and Atlanta met in Week 5 and the Panthers scored the 23-16 victory, but I believe that the circumstances help in lining this Week 8 contest to be a much higher-scoring shootout.

Carolina averages 23.1 PPG and it allows 24, while ATL averages 26.3 PPG, while conceding 29.6.

Rain in the forecast may continue to drive this number down, but I think the value swings to the OVER finally on Thursday. Each ran the ball very well in their first matchup this year, with the Panthers rushing for 4.8 yards per attempt, and the Falcons at 6.9 per attempt.

Three weeks ago the total in the game was at 53.5 and they combined for 27 at half time, only to then kick four field goals in the second half. Julio Jones also wasn't playing for ATL in the first game.

Atlanta has yet to hold anyone under 23 points this season either.

Expect this one to fly over sooner, rather than later.

Good luck, NP