Panthers vs Falcons NFL Handicapping
The Atlanta Falcons and Carolina Panthers will square off in Week 17 of the NFL season. One club will be jockeying for playoff positioning, while the other will be playing out an incredibly disappointing year, so the motivation for both sides will play a major factor.
Carolina Panthers (11-4) at Atlanta Falcons (4-11)
Date: Sunday, December 29, 2013
Time: 1:00 PM ET
Venue: Georgia Dome
City: Atlanta, Georgia
O/U Odds: 45.5
Spread: Carolina -7.5
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The Carolina defense has been other-worldly this season, as it’s been a major explanation for the team’s turnaround. The unit ranks 7th against the pass and 2nd against the run this season. Now the team will have a chance to seal up the NFC South division with a win against the Falcons after picking up a huge win at home against the rival Saints, 17-13.
The team’s offense didn’t accomplish a whole lot in their last game, but they did just enough. Quarterback Cam Newton completed 13 of 22 passes for 181 yards and a touchdown with an interception, while running back DeAngelo Williams ran for 67 yards and a score on 12 totes.
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The team’s top receiver, Steve Smtih, hauled in a pas for 44 yards but left the game with a knee injury. He tried to return but it appears his season may be over. In total, the Panther offense generated just 222 scrimmage yards in the game.
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A big part of why Carolina’s offense was so inept was that they spent so little time on the field. New Orleans spent 38:48 of game time with the football, meaning the Carolina defense had to be sharp, and boy were they. The unit picked off Drew Brees twice and sacked him six times. Top linebacker and emerging star Luke Kuechly racked up 24 tackles and a sack in the win.
Atlanta put up a heck of a fight but came up short on Monday night in a 34-24 loss.
Quarterback Matt Ryan was on his game, completing 37 of 48 passes for 348 yards and two scores with a pair of interceptions. His top two pass-catching targets each at. Wide receiver Roddy White caught 12 passes for 141 yards and a score, while tight end Tony Gonzalez caught eight passes for 63 yards and a score.
Running back Steven Jackson also found the endzone for the sixth time in the team’s last five games.
The Panthers have been a great play against the spread this season, but the Falcons showed on Monday that they are not just going through the motions as they close out their season. Expect a solid effort from Atlanta as they look to finish their year strong against a division rival.
The home team is 8-3 ATS in the last 11 meetings between these teams, and the Panthers are 1-4 ATS in their last five trips to the Georgia Dome.
The play: Atlanta +7.5
