Carolina Panthers vs Atlanta Falcons Picks, Odds, Best Bets – NFL Week 1
- The Atlanta Falcons are 3.5-point home favorites over the Carolina Panthers in an NFL Week 1 matchup of NFC South rivals on Sunday, September 10
- Atlanta is 11-4 straight up and 10-5 against the spread in the past 15 games against Carolina
- The Panthers are 6-2 ATS over their last eight games. Read on for the odds and our Panthers vs Falcons picks here
Two of the biggest names from the 2023 draft will be making their NFL debuts as the Atlanta Falcons play host to the Carolina Panthers in a Week 1 NFC South matchup, with Atlanta listed as favorites in the Panthers vs Falcons odds.
The Panthers are starting first overall pick Bryce Young at quarterback. Meanwhile, Bijan Robinson, the first running back taken in the draft, is making his NFL bow for the Falcons.
It’s the home team that oddsmakers like. Atlanta is set as 3.5-point favorites. However, the Panthers are 2-1 straight up in their last three road games against the Falcons.
Let’s dive into the NFC West battle, look at the Panthers vs Falcons odds and offer you our prediction for this NFL Week 1 showdown.
Panthers vs Falcons Odds
| Team | Moneyline | Spread | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carolina Panthers | +160 | +3.5 (-110) | Over 40.5 (-112) |
| Atlanta Falcons | -180 | -3.5 (-110) | Under 40.5 (-110) |
In the Panthers vs Falcons odds, Atlanta are -180 moneyline favorites, giving the Falcons a 64.29% implied win probability. The total is set at 40.5 points. Only the Cardinals vs Commanders game (38 points) is showing a lower Week 1 over/under number when looking at the weekly NFL line movement.
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Odds as of September 10 at Bet365 Sportsbook. Be sure to claim a Bet365 promo code to bet on Panthers vs Falcons and other Week 1 NFL action where csn bet $1 and get $365 in bonus bets for Week 1.
Carolina is 2-6 SU in the club’s last eight visits to Atlanta. Four of the last five games between these two teams in Atlanta have been decided by a touchdown or less.
Kickoff for this game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sunday, September 10 is set for 1:00pm ET. The broadcast is being carried by FOX and by DAZN in Canada.
Falcons vs Panthers Betting Splits
In the NFL public betting splits on this game, the people are fairly certain that Atlanta will be winning, but they’re not as sold on the Falcons covering. In the spread splits, the action is also split. There’s 60% of handle on the Panthers, but 59% of bets are going to Atlanta. The Falcons are just 3-8 ATS over their last 11 games. Moneyline splits are solidly with Atlanta. The Falcons are pulling 61% of handle and 66% of bets. Atlanta is 3-6 SU through the last nine games.
In terms of the total, there’s also division. Handle bettors like the under to the tune of 54%. In bets, 54% of action is on the over. Four of Carolina’s last five games have gone over.
Both Atlanta (+6000) and Carolina (+6600) are longshots in the Super Bowl odds. The Falcons are set as the +185 second betting choice to win the NFC South title in the NFL divisional odds.
Panthers vs Falcons Injury Report
In his first NFL start, Young may be without his two most experienced receivers. Wideout Adam Thielen (ankle) is questionable. Meanwhile DJ Chark (hamstring) is out for the game.
#Falcons RB/WR/Joker Cordarrelle Patterson is dealing with a thigh injury and will be questionable for Sunday's game vs. the Panthers.
CB Jeff Okudah was ruled out with a foot injury. pic.twitter.com/pxwelZUG3c
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) September 8, 2023
Acquired in the offseason, RCB Jeff Okudah won’t be making his Panthers debut. The onetime Detroit Lions first-round pick is out with a foot injury. A late addition to the injury list is RB Cordarrelle Patterson. He’s questionable due to a thigh injury.
Rookie QBs Struggle In Week 1
History is working against Young as he steps under center for the first time in an NFL regular-season game. He’ll be one of three rookie QBs getting starting assignments on Sunday, along with Anthony Richardson (Indianapolis) and CJ Stroud (Houston). Since 1970, only 2012 (five) has seen more rookie starters at QB in Week 1.
Bryce Young and Panthers working out inside today on turf. Makes sense with Sunday’s opener inside on turf. pic.twitter.com/FxhQpIZzKm
— David Newton (@DNewtonespn) September 8, 2023
Historically, it’s not turned out alright for these kids. Overall, they’re 17-32-1 SU in Week 1 starts since 1970. Young will be the 12th first overall pick to start at QB in Week 1 of his rookie season during that span. His predecessors are a combined 1-10 SU. Only David Carr with the 2002 Texans, was victorious.
Ridder Starting Season As Falcons Starter
A year ago, Atlanta QB Desmond Ridder was a rookie. He watched as journeyman veteran Marcus Mariota was QB1 for the Falcons. Starting the final four games of the season, Ridder went 2-2. He won the job and Mariota was jettisoned after the season.
One advantage in Ridder’s arsenal is that he has some weapons at his disposal. Besides Robinson, the favorite in the NFL OROY odds, there’s also tight end Kyle Pitts and WR Drake London. Should he play, they’ve created a new position for Cordarrelle Patterson – joker. A wildcard, he may line up as a RB, WR, TE, or even as QB.
Carolina vs Atlanta Prediction
After Atlanta’s defense was 27th in the NFL in yards allowed and 23rd in points allowed, the team signed five new defensive starters and hired Ryan Nielsen as defensive coordinator.
Still, this is going to be a tough enough test for Young. Minus Chark and with Thielen likely to be limited at best, it will be difficult for the young passer to come away with a passing grade.
As well, two-time Pro Bowl LB Brian Burns, in the midst of a contract dispute, skipped two days of practice this week. It’s unclear at this stage if he’ll be playing. He was good for 12.5 sacks last season. And Panthers head coach Frank Reich is 0-4-1 SU in Week 1 games.
Panthers vs Falcons Picks: Atlanta Falcons -3.5 (-110)
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An industry veteran, Bob literally taught the course on the history of sports at Elder College. He has worked as a Sports Columnist for Postmedia, appeared as a guest on several radio stations, was the Vice President of the Society For International Hockey Research in Ontario, and written 25 books.
