Atlanta Falcons vs. Carolina Panthers: Spread Analysis and Pick Prediction

In a huge NFC South clash on Tobacco Road, both the Atlanta Falcons and Carolina Panthers come in on ATS win streaks, as the Falcons have covered seven of nine in this series while the Panthers are on a 5-1 ATS streak in NFC South games.

Point Spread: The Panthers opened as seven-point favorites, but have been bet as high as nine-point favorites at some sportsbooks monitored by Odds Shark. The total was 44.

Computer Prediction: Panthers 30.1, Falcons 18.0

Why the Falcons Can Cover the Spread

The Falcons will be competitive, as they're in must-win mode and have no choice but to prevail in this game. They looked good in a victory over Tampa Bay, then had a poor showing in the desert. Now they have the surging Panthers and will host Seattle next week.

If there was ever a time for them to step up, it's now.

Why the Panthers Can Cover the Spread

Carolina comes in after a Thursday night win over lowly Tampa Bay, so the extra time to prepare helps, as the Falcons were in Arizona last Sunday. Cam Newton has been outstanding throwing the ball in wins over Minnesota, St. Louis and Tampa Bay. He has also has been able to run the ball effectively.

Atlanta is battered and looking anything like the Super Bowl contender experts claimed it was in September.

Smart Pick

Carolina not only has a balanced offense resting in Newton's hands, but has also displayed a dominant defense. The Panthers came out of their game with Tampa Bay boasting the league's No. 3 defense. They limited the Bucs to 48 rushing yards and 297 yards overall.

With the NFL's No. 9 pass defense, they will stymie the Falcons.

Trends

Atlanta is 7-2 SU in its past nine against the Panthers.

Carolina is 4-1 ATS in its last five games.

All spread and odds data powered by Odds Shark. Follow the site on Twitter for injury and line movement updates.