Panthers (3-4) at Falcons (3-3)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, MercedesBenz Stadium, Atlanta
TV: Fox
Tipico Sportsbook line: Falcons by 2 ⁄2
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Panthers’ keys to victory: While Carolina’s pass rush has the ability to seriously disrupt QB Matt Ryan’s rhythm, the real key for the Panthers will be moving the ball. The best way to beat the Falcons is to expose their lack of defensive depth. Look for QB Sam Darnold to use his legs on third down; Atlanta has struggled to stop quarterbacks with even the slightest threat of mobility. Darnold isn’t exactly a dual-threat quarterback, but he has five rushing TDs.
Falcons’ keys to victory: Atlanta is looking more comfortable on offense and scoring points early will give the team its best chance to slow Carolina’s fierce pass rush. The Panthers are without injured superstar RB Christian McCaffrey, so Atlanta can focus on slowing rookie RB Chuba Hubbard. The Falcons are without their best pass rusher, LB Dante Fowler Jr., so defensive coordinator Dean Pees will need to get creative in order to create pressure.
Matchup to watch: Panthers DE Brian Burns vs. Falcons OT Kaleb McGary. Atlanta’s inexperienced offensive line will need to hold its ground against Carolina’s loaded front seven. McGary was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list in Week 7, and the first assignment he gets upon his return is one of the NFL’s best young edge rushers. Burns and LB Haason Reddick have become an elite pass-rushing duo and will surely cause trouble for McGary, who has struggled in pass protection.
Who wins? If we’re just discussing talent, the Panthers are the better team. But the Falcons have been better of late.
Falcons, 21-20