Two of the three teams that were part of last year's 8-9 logjam atop the NFC South will meet at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in search of their first win. The reigning division champion Panthers showed some offensive spunk in their opener, scoring 37 points against the Bears – more than Carolina had posted in any single game last season.
Of course, the Panthers, who swept Atlanta in 2025, also surrendered a franchise record 59 points to Chicago despite spending heavily during free agency last spring for LBs Jaelan Phillips and Devin Lloyd. As for the Falcons, they've still got an open question behind center, which is why they remain overly reliant on RB Bijan Robinson – he accounted for 73% of the offensive production during Sunday's loss at Pittsburgh
– and the defense continues to resemble a M*A*S*H unit.
Atlanta will be without its past three first-round picks Sunday (QB Michael Penix Jr., injured; LB Jalon Walker, injured; and LB James Pearce, suspended). Pro Bowler Chris Lindstrom, one of the league's premier guards, is also in concussion protocol. The Falcons most definitely need to get more of their blue-chip playmakers – first-rounders like TE Kyle Pitts and WR Drake London who, along with Robinson, preceded Penix – involved against a Carolina D that certainly appears susceptible, even if it won't be similarly tested in Week 2.
Falcons vs Panthers odds, moneyline, over/under
Opening lines:
- Spread: Panthers -2.5
- Moneyline: Panthers -135; Falcons +125
- Total: 43.5
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Panthers at Falcons score predictions
Adam Kaufman: Panthers 27, Falcons 23
Both of these teams stink. Fortunately for them, that's the story of the NFC South, so even a 0-2 start wouldn't tank the season. The Panthers just allowed 59 points to the Bears and, considering it could've been worse, you don't need me to tell you the Falcons will have their opportunities offensively — even if Cooper Rush is painfully operating the offense again. Still, Carolina gained 478 yards and scored 37 points in that debacle. Atlanta, meanwhile, converted just 16.7% of its third downs against Pittsburgh and simply can't be trusted offensively right now unless you're rostering Bijan Robinson in fantasy. The Panthers haven't won as a betting favorite since 2021. I'll reluctantly take Carolina.
Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz: Panthers 30, Falcons 20
A matchup against its struggling NFC South counterpart might be exactly what Carolina needs to shake off to move past its Week 1 misstep. With their quarterback situation weighing down the rest of the offense, the Falcons have once again reached the limit of how far Bijan Robinson can carry them. Between last week and 2025's second matchup with Atlanta, Bryce Young could be poised to again ignite some fireworks with big-play aerial strikes.
Nate Davis: Panthers 23, Falcons 20
Who's starting at quarterback for the Falcons on Sunday? No, seriously, I have no idea and any clue would help. But, given Penix seems to be at least another week away, maybe Cooper Rush and an 80% Tua are basically a wash. So give me the Panthers and QB Bryce Young, who's coming off one of his best NFL games (361 yards, 3 TDs passing in Week 1) and has won his past four starts against Atlanta.
Richard Morin: Panthers 24, Falcons 20
The Panthers are underrated in this game and the Falcons are overrated. It's a perffect storm for a Carolina victory, even if I feel a little strange picking the road team that is technically favored in this Week 2 matchup. I keep reminding myself the Panthers are a legitimate playoff threat in 2026 and the Falcons are not. Still, it's an NFC South showdown and anything can happen. So while I'm not actively looking to bet this game over some others on the Sunday slate, I'm more bullish on the Panthers' prospects overall.
Arizona Republic: Panthers 27, Falcons 17
Jeremy Cluff writes: "The Panthers gave up 59 points in their NFL Week 1 loss to the Bears. Bryce Young and company will bounce back in a big way in Atlanta."
NFL Spin Zone: Panthers 23, Falcons 16
Sayre Bedinger writes: "(Carolina) has proven to be streaky in the past, so going on the road against a division rival, they're just 1.5-point favorites. I'm banking on that Carolina offense staying hot in Week 2 and the Falcons continuing to struggle."
Where to watch Panthers at Falcons
- Matchup: Falcons vs. Panthers
- Date: Sept. 20
- Time: 1:00 p.m.
- Venue: Mercedes-Benz Stadium
- Location: Atlanta, Georgia
- TV: Fox
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Panthers at Falcons: Predictions, picks and odds for NFL Week 2 game
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