The Falcons won the first meeting between the two 37-34 at home in overtime. The Falcons are 4-5 this season and tied for the top spot in the NFC South with Tampa Bay. The Falcons are 30th in passing offense and 4th in rushing offense. Atlanta is 9th in the league in scoring at 24.1 points a game and they allow 25 points. The Panthers are 2-7 on the season and stand in the basement of the NFC South standings. The Panthers are 28th in the league in passing offense and 22nd in rushing offense. They are 23rd in the league in scoring at 19.9 points per game and they allow 25.3 points.

The Falcons, 6-1 ATS in their last seven road games vs. a team with a losing home record and surprisingly to many, still have a legitimate shot at the playoffs by winning the division. Carolina is 2-9 ATS in its last 11 games following an ATS loss. The Panthers needed a 21-point fourth-quarter rally the last time these two played and I don't expect it to happen again no matter who is under center. The Falcons will rely on the run game as they have four players with over 250 rushing yards this season, while the Panthers have one of the worst run defenses in football.

Play on Atlanta