In the National Football League – Week 17 has arrived. The biggest game of the day is in Atlanta, where the Carolina Panthers take on the Atlanta Falcons. This NFC South has a ton on the line as the Atlanta Falcons are seeking their 10th win of the season. Atlanta must win to get back into the postseason, a season after reaching the NFC title game a season ago.
The Carolina Panthers are 11-4 on the season, and could still win the NFC South. The Saints are also 11-4, and the Rams have 11 wins as well, so the playoff picture and seedings are up for grabs. The Panthers have not made any announcement about sitting regulars out for this game. The Atlanta Falcons are -3 over the Carolina Panthers in this National Football League affair on Sunday.
The Atlanta Falcons know they need to get back to what helps them win games. That’s their threesome of athletic stars on the offensive end. Matt Ryan completed 314 of 484 passes for 3,778 yards and 19 touchdowns on the season. The defending Most Valuable Player has thrown 12 interceptions on the season.
Julio Jones has been the top target for Ryan this season, and every season they have been together. Julio has caught 83 passes for 1,364 yards, but just 3 touchdowns. Devonta Freeman is the leading running back for the Falcons, and needs 158 yards to reach 1,000 on the season with 7 touchdowns. The Falcons scored just 13 points in a loss at the Saints last week.
Panthers Looking to Ride Momentum
The Carolina Panthers have won three straight games, and would love to make that 7 and win the Super Bowl. The Panthers are coming off a terrible 2016 season, which followed their run to the Super Bowl in 2015. Quarterback Cam Newton has been on fire this season with more than 3,100 yards and 21 touchdowns. The signal caller has 13 interceptions on the season.
Jonathan Stewart and Devin Funchess are the top targets for the Seahawks. Stewart has 680 rushing yards and 6 touchdowns, while Funchess is 8 yards shy of 800 on the season. He leads the team with 7 touchdown catches. The Panthers barely edged the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at home in Week 16 to seal their spot in the postseason.
Falcons Edge Panthers
Do not expect the Carolina Panthers to play it easy for their divisional rival Atlanta Falcons. Both of these teams are heading to the postseason, because Atlanta is going to beat Carolina in this game. Matt Ryan to Julio Jones is going to be the name of the game here. Look for the Falcons to break out a bit offensively, and frustrate Cam Newton on the defensive end. Late in the game, do not be surprised if the Panthers then sit some regulars. Bet on the Atlanta Falcons -3 over the Carolina Panthers as both teams finish their National Football League reason season.
