Raheem Morris highlights one major bright spot in Falcons’ loss

Raheem Morris sees one major bright spot in Falcons’ 44-38 loss to Panthers

The Atlanta Falcons couldn’t get the win over the Carolina Panthers to close out the season, but they were eliminated from the playoff race before Sunday’s 44-38 overtime loss was over.

While the team’s offensive performance was encouraging, the defense’s poor play was extremely concerning. Despite putting up 38 points and 537 yards of offense, the Falcons had literally no answer for Panthers quarterback Bryce Young.

Atlanta failed to apply any pressure and the secondary gave up too many big plays. However, there was one undeniable bright spot in Sunday’s high-scoring season finale. 

Rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. was absolutely electric in his third NFL start. The No. 8 pick in the draft passed for a career-high 312 passing yards and two touchdowns against the Panthers. 

Falcons head coach Raheem Morris wasn’t happy with his team’s overall effort but couldn’t help but be encouraged by Penix’s play on Sunday. 

“The light at the end of the tunnel for us, despite how bad and poor we played on defense or anywhere is the quarterback,” Morris said in his postgame press conference. “Michael Penix is certainly outstanding. He certainly one of the guys that’s going to play in this league and absolutely dominate for us as long as we allow him.”

Penix did everything he possibly could to put the Falcons in position to win the last two games. The rookie led clutch touchdown drives to send both games to overtime but the defense let the team down. 

The Falcons have a lot to figure out this offseason, but the future looks bright with Penix leading the way.

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Falcons eliminated from playoff race after Buccaneers’ win

Falcons eliminated from playoff race after Buccaneers’ win over the Saints

The Atlanta Falcons have officially been eliminated from the NFL playoff race following the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ win over the New Orleans Saints.

The Falcons entered the final week of the 2024 season needing some help to get in but didn’t get it. Atlanta needed a win over the Carolina Panthers, and for the New Orleans Saints to upset the heavily favored Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Unfortunately for Atlanta, the Buccaneers overcame a 10-point halftime deficit to beat the Saints, 27-19. The Falcons will now miss the playoffs for a seventh consecutive season.

Tampa Bay will host the loser of Sunday’s Detroit Lions-Minnesota Vikings next weekend at Raymond James Stadium.

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NFL TV broadcast maps for Week 18 slate of games

Falcons vs Panthers: NFL TV Map for Week 18 matchup in Atlanta

The final Sunday of the 2024 NFL season has arrived and there’s still a small chance for the Atlanta Falcons to end their six-year playoff drought. If the Falcons can defeat the Carolina Panthers, and the New Orleans Saints beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Atlanta will win the division.

The 1 p.m. ET slot on Sunday is full of games, including both NFC South matchups. The Falcons and Panthers will air on CBS, while the Bucs-Saints game will air simultaneously on FOX.

Here’s a look at the TV broadcast maps for Week 18, via 506 Sports.

CBS Week 18 TV map: 1 p.m. ET

Image via 506Sports.com

  • RED: Panthers-Falcons
  • BLUE: Giants-Eagles
  • GREEN: Bills-Patriots
  • YELLOW: Texans-Titans

FOX Week 18 TV map: 1 p.m. ET

Image via 506Sports.com

  • RED: Saints-Bucs:
  • BLUE: Commanders-Cowboys
  • YELLOW: Jaguars-Colts
  • GREEN: Bears-Packers

CBS Week 18 TV map: Late games

Image via 506Sports.com

  • RED: Chiefs-Broncos
  • BLUE: Chargers-Raiders

FOX Week 18 TV map: Late games

Image via 506Sports.com

  • RED: Dolphins-Jets
  • BLUE: Seahawks-Rams
  • GREEN: 49ers-Cardinals

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Falcons release inactives list for season finale vs. Panthers

Falcons release inactives list for season finale vs. Carolina Panthers

The Atlanta Falcons have released their inactives list for Sunday’s season finale against the Carolina Panthers. Six players, including wide receiver Darnell Mooney, have been ruled out for Week 18.

Mooney is battling a shoulder injury that kept him out of practice on Friday. He will officially end his 2024 campaign just eight yards shy of 1,000 receiving yards (992).

Rookie defensive lineman Brandon Dorlus, cornerback Kevin King and linebacker JD Bertrand have also been ruled out for Sunday’s game.

Falcons Week 18 inactives list

  1. WR Darnell Mooney
  2. DL Brandon Dorlus
  3. CB Kevin King
  4. LB JD Bertrand
  5. OL Elijah Wilkinson
  6. OL Brandon Parker

Sunday’s game kicks off at 1 p.m. ET at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. The Falcons are clinging to slim playoff odds but they just need a win and a loss by the Buccaneers to clinch their first NFC South title since 2016.

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Falcons vs. Panthers: Staff picks and predictions for Week 18

Falcons vs. Panthers: Staff picks and predictions for Sunday’s season finale at Mercedes-Benz Stadium

The Atlanta Falcons are still somewhat alive in the NFC South race entering Sunday’s season finale against the Carolina Panthers, however, they’ll need some help to end their six-year playoff drought.

Not only do the Falcons need to defeat the Panthers, but the New Orleans Saints must pull off the upset over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for Atlanta to secure a division title in Week 18.

Both NFC South matchups will be played at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday. Check out our staff picks and predictions for Sunday’s season finale below:

Crissy Froyd (8-6):

The Falcons came up just short in last week’s 30-24 overtime loss to the Commanders. But, they’re up against a far more shaky opponent as they end the season with aspirations of making a postseason run. The Panthers have had tremendous ups and downs this season and currently have the NFL’s worst defense. They’ll also be dealing with some injury issues. The quarterback matchup between Michael Penix Jr. and Bryce Young will be fun to watch, but the Falcons come out with the win at home. | Falcons 31, Panthers 17

Deen Worley (8-7):

The Falcons didn’t get the result they wanted a week ago in Washington. A win would’ve given the team a chance to control their playoff destiny. However, now, it’s in the hands of chance and that chance is very low considering how easy the Buccaneers rolled last week and how poor the Saints are in the present. Falcons win fairly easily, but so do the Bucs, and Monday morning, the Falcons make a change at general manager. | Falcons 31 , Panthers 3

Matt Urben (8-7):

Atlanta has to win but I don’t expect this to be as lopsided as the team’s prior matchup against Carolina. The Panthers need to show some promise and I could see them getting out to an early lead on Sunday. Ultimately, I think the Falcons will pull away in the second half with another impressive performance by rookie Michael Penix Jr. | Falcons 28, Panthers 24

Is Darnell Mooney playing vs. Panthers?

Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney is considered a long shot to play in Sunday’s game, according to a report from NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. If Mooney is out, look for KhaDarel Hodge and Ray-Ray McCloud to step up in Week 18.

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NFL Network provides injury update on Falcons WR Darnell Mooney

NFL Network reporter says Falcons WR Darnell Mooney considered “long shot” to play in season finale vs. Carolina Panthers

It sounds like the Atlanta Falcons may be without wide receiver Darnell Mooney in their season finale against the Carolina Panthers. According to a report from NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Mooney is considered a “long shot” to play in Sunday’s game.

The Falcons listed the 27-year-old wide receiver as questionable for Week 18 due to a shoulder injury. While Mooney hasn’t been officially ruled out against Carolina, it’s not looking good roughly 12 hours before kickoff.

Mooney has been a stellar addition to the offense this season and was closing in on the second 1,000-yard campaign of his career. If he can’t play on Sunday, he will finish the year with 64 catches for 992 receiving yards and five touchdowns.

Atlanta signed Mooney to a three-year, $39 million contract in the offseason, which looks like a bargain after the first 16 games. If Mooney is inactive, the team will be forced to lean on Ray-Ray McCloud and KhaDarel Hodge in Week 18.

The Falcons and Panthers face off on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET. If Atlanta defeats Carolina and the New Orleans Saints upset the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Falcons would clinch their first NFC South title since 2016.

Make sure to check out our latest Falcons mock draft entering the final week of the season.

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Falcons elevate defensive back for season finale vs. Panthers

Falcons elevate DB Lamar Jackson from practice squad for Week 18 matchup vs. Panthers

The Atlanta Falcons have announced their final practice squad elevation for the 2024 NFL season. Defensive back Lamar Jackson will join the team’s 53-man roster for Sunday’s matchup against the Carolina Panthers.

Jackson, 26, is a former undrafted free agent out of Nebraska. He began his career with the New York Jets, appearing in 14 games with six starts from 2020-2021.

In 2022, Jackson played five games for the Chicago Bears and three games for the Denver Broncos. After a brief stint in Carolina last season, the veteran defensive back landed on Atlanta’s practice squad in 2024.

Jackson has appeared in 24 games (six starts) over his first five NFL seasons, recording 31 tackles (29 solo) and four passes defended. The veteran defensive back was also elevated from the practice squad for last Sunday’s loss to the Washington Commanders.

Check out the Falcons’ updated 53-man roster, depth chart and latest injury report entering Sunday’s NFC South showdown against the Carolina Panthers.

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Falcons injury report: Latest Darnell Mooney update for Week 18

Falcons list WR Darnell Mooney questionable on final injury report of the season

The Atlanta Falcons released their final injury report of the season on Friday as they prepare to host the Carolina Panthers in Week 18. Three players, including wide receiver Darnell Mooney and rookie defensive lineman Brandon Dorlus, are questionable for Sunday’s game.

Mooney was limited on Thursday due to a shoulder injury and did not practice on Friday. Rookie linebacker JD Bertrand, who’s dealing with an eye injury, was also listed as questionable for Week 18.

On the bright side, wide receiver Drake London was a full participant after being limited on Thursday. London will play this weekend against the Panthers.

Falcons injury report: Week 18

Player Injury Wed Thu Fri Status
Lorenzo Carter Oblique LP LP FP     —
JD Bertrand Eye LP LP LP QUEST.
Dee Alford Groin LP LP FP     —
Matthew Bergeron Hand LP LP FP     —
David Onyemata Shoulder LP LP DNP     —
Kevin King Concussion DNP LP DNP     —
Drake London Knee   — LP FP     —
Darnell Mooney Shoulder   — LP DNP QUEST.
KhaDarel Hodge Ribs   — LP FP     —
Nate Landman Shoulder   — LP FP     —
Ross Dwelley Ankle   — LP FP     —
Zach Harrison Achilles   — LP FP     —
Grady Jarrett Rest   — LP DNP     —
Jake Matthews Rest   —   — LP     —
Charlie Woerner Rest   —   — LP     —
Brandon Dorlus Abdomen   —   — DNP QUEST.
Kaleb McGary Rest   —   — LP     —

Panthers injury report: Week 18

Player Injury Wed Thu Fri Status
Amare Barno Shoulder DNP DNP DNP OUT
Jaycee Horn Hip DNP DNP DNP OUT
Robert Hunt Knee DNP LP DNP QUEST.
Josey Jewell Concussion DNP DNP DNP OUT
Lonnie Johnson Shoulder/neck DNP DNP DNP OUT
Mike Jackson Rest DNP FP FP    —
A’Shawn Robinson Neck DNP DNP LP QUEST.
D.J. Wonnum Rest DNP LP FP    —
Taylor Moton Knee LP DNP LP QUEST.
Miles Sanders Ankle FP LP FP QUEST.
Xavier Legette Hip/wrist FP LP LP QUEST.
Nick Scott Illness DNP FP FP    —
Jadeveon Clowney Rest   — DNP FP QUEST.
DJ Johnson Personal   —  — DNP OUT

Drake London injury update:

London was limited on Thursday due to a knee injury but returned to practice as a full participant on Friday. The third-year wideout just topped 1,000 receiving yards in Week 17 and will look to add to his total against the Panthers on Sunday.

Darnell Mooney injury update:

Mooney is battling a shoulder injury which has his status for Sunday’s season finale in doubt. He was limited at Thursday’s practice but did not participate on Friday. Mooney was officially listed as questionable for Week 18.

Sunday’s game starts at 1 p.m. ET inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The Falcons could clinch the NFC South if they defeat the Panthers and get some help from the New Orleans Saints.

While the Buccaneers are heavily favored over the Saints at home, crazier things have happened.

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Falcons reveal uniforms for season finale vs. Carolina Panthers

Falcons reveal uniforms for season finale vs. the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium

The Atlanta Falcons have one game left on their regular-season schedule but they’re not totally out of the NFC South race. If the New Orleans Saints can upset the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on the road in Week 18, the Falcons could sneak into the playoffs with a win over the Carolina Panthers.

Even if the Saints don’t pull the upset, Sunday’s season finale in Atlanta presents another chance for rookie Michael Penix Jr. to give the fans a glimpse of the future.

According to the Falcons’ social media account, the team will wear all-black uniforms in Sunday’s NFC South showdown at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Last weekend, Penix and Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels impressed on “Sunday Night Football.” In Week 18, the Falcons rookie will face off against former No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young. Atlanta is heavily favored, however, the Panthers present a tougher challenge than their 4-12 record might have you believe.

Back in Week 6, the Falcons dominated Carolina, 38-20, but the Panthers have consistently been competitive over the second half of the season. Sunday’s game starts at 1 p.m. ET at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

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Atlanta Falcons vs. Carolina Panthers, live stream, preview, TV channel, time, odds, how to watch TNF

The Atlanta Falcons will meet the Carolina Panthers in Week 10 NFL action on Thursday Night Football from Bank of America Stadium.

The Atlanta Falcons will meet the Carolina Panthers in Week 10 NFL action on Thursday Night Football from Bank of America Stadium.

The Falcons will look to bounce back after losing to the Chargers on a last-second field goal this past Sunday as they look to get back to .500. Meanwhile, the Panthers come into tonight’s game with a 2-7 record after a 42-21 loss to the Bengals this past weekend as they look to PJ Walker to bring home a win at home tonight.

This will be a great night of NFL football, here is everything you need to know to watch and stream the game this evening.

Atlanta Falcons vs. Carolina Panthers

  • When: Thursday, November 10
  • Time: 8:15 p.m. ET
  • TV Channel: Amazon Prime, fuboTV FOX (WAGA – Atlanta, GA), ABC (WSOCDT – Charlotte)
  • Live Stream: Prime Video (watch now)
  • Live Stream: fuboTV (watch for free) (local networks only)

How to watch the TNF this season

Prime Video is the exclusive home of Thursday Night Football, streaming 15 regular-season games throughout the 2022 NFL season. Each week, pregame coverage begins at 7:00 PM ET, with kickoff set for 8:15 PM ET

If you are an Amazon Prime member, you already have full access to all of Prime Video’s offerings. If not, you can easily sign up for a free 30-day trial and begin watching immediately.

NFL Football Odds and Betting Lines

NFL odds courtesy of Tipico Sportsbook. Odds were last updated Thursday at 6:15 p.m. ET.  

Falcons (-2.5) vs. Panthers

Over/Under: 41.5

See more at Sportsbookwire.com

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