The Carolina Panthers (4-12) visit the Atlanta Falcons (8-8). Atlanta has one path to the postseason: Win this game while Tampa Bay loses to New Orleans. If the improbable happens and the Saints beat the Buccaneers, Atlanta will win the NFC South. It’s unlikely but theoretically possible. Like Oasis reuniting. Our Panthers vs Falcons prediction is for the teams to score more than 48 points.
Head-to-head, Atlanta has won 37 of the 59 meetings between the two.
Offshore Odds: Atlanta is Favored by 9
| Team | Spread | Money Line | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Panthers | +9 (-123) | +310 | O 48 (-110) |
| Falcons | -9 (+103) | -380 | U 48 (-110) |
Carolina Seeks One More Positive to End Season
On paper, a 4-12 record is nothing to get excited about. But for Carolina, when factoring in how their season started losing seven of their first eight games and benching Bryce Young, the first overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, to go 3-4 in their next seven games is an accomplishment.
If they managed to have a hand in a division rival missing the playoffs, so much the better.
The Panthers could have severely damaged Tampa’s hopes by beating them in Week 17, but they were blown out 48-14.
Head coach Dave Canales will not be foolish with his players in a meaningless game, but it would be nice to end the season with a win. Five wins would be a major step in the right direction as well as making owner David Tepper happy with the team’s progress.
Atlanta Hopes Against Hope
It’s exceedingly unlikely that New Orleans will beat Tampa. Still, even if Atlanta misses the playoffs, they have many positives to look back on once the sting dissipates.
Michael Penix Jr. has been poised and cool under fire having taken over the starting quarterback job from Kirk Cousins under difficult circumstances. The rookie gets a head start on 2025 no matter what happens in Week 18.
They have an excellent dual-headed running attack with Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier. Their receiving corps looks strong led by Drake London and Kyle Pitts.
They desperately need defensive help, specifically with the pass rush and secondary.
If they fail to make the playoffs, their improvement will be obscured, particularly after their 6-3 start. However, they had three consecutive 7-10 seasons under former coach Arthur Smith. Finishing 9-8 under Raheem Morris — who players want to play for — is a marked improvement…if they beat Carolina.
Which they should.
Panthers vs Falcons Prediction: Atlanta Will Win but the Spread is Too High
The Falcons should win this game, but a nine-point spread is too heavy. Both teams will put points on the board and combine to go beyond 48 points.
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