The NFC South has featured drama from start to finish this season, and the highlight of the Week 17 slate in the NFL pits the Carolina Panthers and Atlanta Falcons against each other in a contest with massive playoff implications.
Sportsbook opened the Falcons as 3.5-point home favorites with a total of 45.5.
- The Falcons are 8-2 SU in their last 10 games vs divisional opponents.
- The Falcons are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 games at home after covering in their most recent home game.
- The Panthers are 7-2 ATS in their last nine games on the road.
Here’s what we know for certain: the Panthers and the New Orleans Saints have already booked tickets to the postseason. The NFC South remains up for grabs, however, because if the Saints beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (or if the Panthers lose to the Falcons), they win the division.
The Panthers can climb as high as the No. 2 seed with a triumph over the Falcons and if the Vikings, Saints and Rams lose in Week 17. The chances of that happening are slim, so the most likely scenario for Carolina would be a wild-card spot. If the Falcons beat the Panthers, Atlanta gets the No. 6 seed. The Falcons can still make the playoffs if they lose, but only if the Seahawks lose against the Cardinals. Got all of that? Good. Excuse me while I go pass out now.
Totals bettors will be paying close attention to this game, as the UNDER has paid out in seven of the last nine meetings between the Panthers and Falcons. Carolina has traditionally struggled playing in Georgia, evidenced by the Panthers going 2-7 SU and ATS in their last nine trips to Atlanta.
Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick
Bettors who were going with the Atlanta Falcons in this one found them listed as 3-point favorites on the betting line at Sportsbook. Fans betting on totals have seen that number set earlier in the week at 47 for Sunday.
OddsShark computer NFL score prediction models picked a possible 27-21 win for the Falcons on Sunday. That score may change during the week if injury or weather factors alter the numbers, so check the NFL picks page before game time. View the computer score prediction and who will win the pick on the moneyline for all upcoming NFL matchups here.
Carolina Panthers vs Atlanta Falcons Matchup
Team Betting Records & Power Rankings
The Atlanta Falcons sit at 9-6 (6-9 ATS) on the season; in comparison, the Carolina Panthers are currently 11-4 (9-5-1 ATS). Looking to bet on the totals? Atlanta is 5-10 OU, and Carolina is 9-6 OU. Stay Informed: follow us on Twitter for odds specials, betting line moves and Atlanta vs Carolina injuries news.
It's a betting matchup between the No. 10-rated Falcons and the No. 13-ranked Panthers, according to the NFL Power Rankings here at OddsShark.
Statistical Matchup
Offensively, the game matches up the Atlanta Falcons' No. 15-ranked offense (22.07 PPG) against a Carolina Panthers defense that ranks No. 12 at 20.33 PPG. The Falcons passing attack has averaged 245.27 yards per game, more than the Panthers give up through the air (223.6 YPG on average).
In comparing defenses, the Panthers own the league's No. 1-rated front 7 in terms of stopping the run, allowing 84.43 yards per game when on the road. Atlanta, on the other hand, rates No. 11 this week in generating rushing yards at home.
Recent Outings Betting Recap
In their last game, the Panthers were Week 16 Sportsbooks, coming out on top of the Buccaneers by a score of 22-19.
Atlanta lost its last outing 23-13 against New Orleans on Sunday, getting a 149-yard receiving performance from Julio Jones in a losing cause at Mercedes-Benz Superdome.
- Carolina is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games
- Carolina is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games
- The total has gone OVER in 5 of Carolina's last 6 games
- Carolina is 7-2 ATS in its last 9 games on the road
- Atlanta is 4-8 ATS in its last 12 games
- Atlanta is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
- The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Atlanta's last 5 games
- Atlanta is 8-4 SU in its last 12 games at home
