Atlanta Falcons vs. Carolina Panthers: Spread Info, Line and Predictions
The Atlanta Falcons are sitting at 7-5 and entering a must-win game against the Carolina Panthers. With the wild-card race in the NFC wide open, the Falcons have an opportunity to bounce back after a disappointing loss to the Texans last week.
The Panthers aren't just going to roll over though. They may not have playoff aspirations, but they are going to give it their all against a division foe that handed them a 14-point beating the last time they squared off.
Let's take a look to see who has the upper hand in this matchup.
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Where: Bank of America Stadium (Charlotte, NC)
When: Sunday, Dec. 11 at 1:00 p.m. EDT
Watch: FOX
Spread: Atlanta -3
Go with the Falcons. They've lost three games on the road this year, but they've only had one win decided by a field goal margin or less. When Atlanta wins, they've got a tendency to win big. If you like the Falcons to win, and you should, this is a no-brainer.
Over/Under: 47
Go under the point spread. The Falcons haven't scored more than 24 in their past four outings and even though the Panthers' offense has been stellar over the past few weeks, expect the Panthers to put up around 17 just as they did the last time these teams squared off.
Key Injuries (According to NFL.com)
Atlanta Injuries
| Brent Grimes | CB | Knee | Did Not Participate In Practice | -- |
| Kelvin Hayden | CB | Toe | Did Not Participate In Practice | -- |
| Stephen Nicholas | LB | Quadricep | Did Not Participate In Practice | -- |
| Will Svitek | T | Groin | Did Not Participate In Practice | -- |
| John Abraham | DE | Not Injury Related | Full Participation in Practice | -- |
| Ray Edwards | DE | Shoulder | Full Participation in Practice | -- |
| Tony Gonzalez | TE | Not Injury Related | Full Participation in Practice | -- |
| Joe Hawley | C | Ankle | Full Participation in Practice | -- |
| Todd McClure | C | Not Injury Related | Full Participation in Practice | -- |
| Vance Walker | DT | Groin | Full Participation in Practice | -- |
| Roddy White | WR | Shoulder | Full Participation in Practice | -- |
| Sam Baker | T | Back | Limited Participation in Practice | -- |
| Harry Douglas | WR | Groin | Limited Participation in Practice | -- |
| Julio Jones | WR | Hamstring | Limited Participation in Practice | -- |
| Christopher Owens | CB | Hand | Limited Participation in Practice | -- |
| Michael Turner | RB | Groin | Limited Participation in Practice | -- |
Carolina Injuries
| Chris Gamble | CB | Not Injury Related | Did Not Participate In Practice | -- |
| Jordan Gross | T | Ankle | Did Not Participate In Practice | -- |
| Jason Phillips | LB | Calf | Did Not Participate In Practice | -- |
| Kion Wilson | LB | Calf | Did Not Participate In Practice | -- |
| Greg Olsen | TE | Knee | Full Participation in Practice | -- |
| Kealoha Pilares | WR | Thigh | Full Participation in Practice | -- |
| Jeremy Shockey | TE | Not Injury Related | Full Participation in Practice | -- |
| Steve Smith | WR | Not Injury Related | Full Participation in Practice | -- |
| Travelle Wharton | G | Back | Full Participation in Practice | -- |
| Charles Godfrey | S | Shoulder | Limited Participation in Practice | -- |
Fantasy Big Plays: Cam Newton
While the Panthers should struggle, Cam Newton will not. The Falcons held him to his lowest passer rating of the season, but they allow 239.8 passing YPG on average and Newton has undoubtedly learned from his 0 touchdown, three interception day. Expect Newton to light up the Falcons this week.
Fantasy Big Plays: Michael Turner
Michael Turner ran for 139 yards and two touchdowns last time he faced Carolina. The Panthers can't stack the box, because Roddy White and Julio Jones would destroy them. Turner is a necessary evil and is sure to break for over 100 yards once more.
Keys to Falcons Win
They need to feed Michael Turner. He crushed the Panthers in their last meeting and though he's been held to less than 60 yards in his past two outings, this is the perfect game for him to rebound. The Falcons need their best player to be at his best when the postseason hits.
They must make Cam Newton uncomfortable. The Falcons forced the rookie to throw three picks in his first outing. While Newton is an incredible talent, he's not immune to rookie mistakes as the Falcons proved last time they met.
Keys to Panthers Win
They should get Cam Newton in a groove. Letting Newton throw a pick early will force him to have flash-backs to the last time he faced Atlanta. High-percentage throws that help him get comfortable are a must.
They have to stack the box. There is nothing worse than getting beat by a team's best player. Shutting down Turner like they shut down LeGarrette Blount last week forces them to throw the ball to win. They've got great talent on the outside, but if Turner runs the ball at will, they'll be in trouble.
Prediction
Falcons 24, Panthers 20
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