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The Carolina Panthers and the Atlanta Falcons open their 2023 NFL regular seasons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta Sunday. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET (FOX). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Panthers vs. Falcons odds, and make our expert NFL picks and predictions.
The Panthers begin a new era, as head coach Frank Reich takes the reins, and he has No. 1 overall pick QB Bryce Young leading the offense. The results were mixed in the preseason, but Carolina has just as good of a chance as anybody to compete in the NFC South Division.
The Falcons also begin a new era, as the team selected RB Bijan Robinson with the No. 8 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. He’ll likely be leaned upon heavily, not only as a runner, but for his good hands out of the backfield. He was elevated to No. 1 on the depth chart after the preseason, while last season’s explosive rookie RB Tyler Allgeier will also see plenty of run.
These teams split the season series in 2022, with the Panthers covering both meetings. Carolina lost 37-34 in overtime Oct. 30, 2022, and it probably should have won, but WR DJ Moore removed his helmet after a 62-yard dramatic touchdown with :12 left in regulation, and the penalty pushed the team back further for the go-ahead extra point. He is now on the Chicago Bears, as part of the trade to move up to get Young.
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Panthers at Falcons odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Saturday at 8:45 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Panthers +150 (bet $100 to win $150) | Falcons -185 (bet $185 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Panthers +3.5 (-110) | Falcons -3.5 (-110)
- Over/Under (O/U): 40 (O: -105 | U: -115)
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Panthers at Falcons key injuries
Panthers
- WR DJ Chark Jr. (hamstring) out
- WR Adam Thielen (ankle) questionable
Falcons
- WR KhaDarel Hodge (ankle) questionable
- CB Jeff Okudah (foot) out
- RB Cordarrelle Patterson (thigh) questionable
Panthers at Falcons picks and predictions
Prediction
Falcons 23, Panthers 16
Moneyline
The FALCONS (-185) are slightly over my personal limit for a singular moneyline bet, but in Week 1 when everyone is feeling things out, it can be excused taking such a heavy favorite.
Atlanta has won 7 of the past 10 meetings straight up, although Carolina has won 2 of the past 3 visits to ATL. Still, with no Chark, and Thielen a question mark, it could be a rough start to Young’s NFL career.
Against the spread
The FALCONS -3.5 (-110) are a decent play on their home field in this NFC South showdown, mainly due to the injuries at key receiver spots for the Panthers +3.5 (-110).
While the Panthers are 3-1 ATS in the past 4 meetings in this series, including both meetings in 2022, the Falcons have the multi-talented Robinson who should have a huge NFL debut.
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Over/Under
UNDER 40 (-115) is a very low number in today’s NFL, but with these 2 ground-based attacks, it’s worth a look.
However, go lightly. The Under has cashed in 6 of the past 9 meetings in this series, and with Young missing Chark, and possibly Thielen, it’s likely this team leans heavily upon RB Miles Sanders, running the clock. The Falcons also are likely to be run-heavy with Robinson and Allgeier, which is music to the ears of Under bettors.
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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.
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