Carolina (4-12) at Atlanta (8-8) Sunday, 1 p.m., CBS BetMGM NFL Odds: Falcons by 8 1/2 Series record: Falcons lead 37-22 Against the spread: Panthers 7-9, Falcons 7-9 Last meeting: Falcons beat Panthers 38-20 at Carolina on Oct.
13. Last week: Panthers lost at Buccaneers 48-14; Falcons lost at Commanders 30-24 in overtime. Panthers offense: overall (31), rush (20), pass (31), scoring (25) Panthers defense: overall (32), rush (32), pass (16), scoring (32) Falcons offense: overall (10), rush (12), pass (8), scoring (16) Falcons defense: overall (19), rush (14), pass (19), scoring (20) Turnover differential: Panthers minus-6, Falcons minus-5 WR Adam Thielen is coming off a big game against the Bucs, catching five passes for 110 yards and two touchdowns and he remains Bryce Young’s favorite option.
Thielen has three TDs in the past two games and when the Panthers need a play in the passing game it’s likely going to Thielen. QB Michael Penix Jr. has played better than his statistics show in his first two starts.
His lack of practice time with Atlanta's starting wide receivers showed in his inability to develop a connection on deep routes, but his ability to move in the pocket and his clutch fourth down completions late in last week's loss at Washington are reasons for encouragement as the Falcons cling to their fading playoff hopes. The Falcons need Penix to lead a win over Carolina and have Tampa Bay lose to New Orleans in order to win the NFC South and make the playoffs for .
