NFL Picks Week 6: Why Carolina Panthers Will Upset Struggling Atlanta Falcons

The Atlanta Falcons had the best record in the NFC last season at 13-3, and this year they need to win all 10 of their remaining games to reach that mark.

The Falcons take on a young Carolina Panthers team in Week 6 of the NFL season, and unfortunately for Atlanta, they will lose on Sunday.

Cam Newton and the Panthers passing game will have their way with the Falcons pass defense. Newton and star wide receiver Steve Smith will be an excellent combo on Sunday, and the Falcons do not have a cornerback good enough to contain Smith. 

Atlanta is the 29th ranked passing defense in the NFL, allowing just under 300 yards passing per game. The Panthers have the eighth-best passing offense in football, and Cam Newton has been racking up passing yards in bunches this season.

The Falcons offense will be hurt by the loss of rookie wide receiver Julio Jones, who will not play this week because of a hamstring injury.

Quarterback Matt Ryan is having a disappointing season, and has not gotten his receivers going strong out of the gate, especially All-Pro wideout Roddy White.

Another thing the Falcons haven't done is rush the football consistently. They are 23rd in the league in rushing, and starting running back Michael Turner has only 360 rushing yards this year.

The Panthers passing attack is too good for the Falcons to stop this week, and with pass rusher John Abraham banged up with injury struggles, the Falcons won't be able to pressure Cam Newton.

Atlanta won't be able to match Carolina point for point, and the Falcons will lose on Sunday and fall to 2-4.