The Carolina Panthers (0-1) and the Atlanta Falcons (0-1) meet Sunday for their Week 2 game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET (FOX). Let's analyze NFL odds around the Panthers vs. Falcons odds and make our expert NFL picks and predictions for the best bets.
The Falcons lead the all-time series 37-25, but the Panthers have won the past 3 meetings -- with two of them coming in overtime. The Panthers are 3-0 against the spread (ATS) in the past 3 meetings and 6-2 ATS in the past 8 in the series since Oct. 30, 2022. The Over is 3-1 in the past 4 outings.
Carolina suffered a 59-37 loss at home against the Chicago Bears as 3.5-point underdogs as the Over (47.5) easily cashed. The offense did its part, with
QB Bryce Young throwing for 361 yards, 3 TDs and 1 INT, while WR Jalen Coker posted 8 receptions for 138 yards and 2 TDs. RB Chuba Hubbard had rushing and receiving scores, totaling 87 yards from scrimmage.
Atlanta dropped a 20-13 contest at Pittsburgh as a 6.5-point underdog in Week 1 as the Under (40.5) cashed. QB Cooper Rush was forced to start with Michael Penix Jr. (knee) and Tua Tagovailoa (oblique) unavailable due to injuries. Penix is out again, while Tagovailoa is doubtful.
THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL: Best prop bets
Panthers at Falcons odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Saturday at 8:35 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Panthers -150 (bet $150 to win $100) | Falcons +125 (bet $100 to win $125)
- Against the spread (ATS): Panthers -2.5 (-115) | Falcons +2.5 (-102)
- Over/Under (O/U): 43.5 (O: -110 | U: -108)
Panthers at Falcons injuries
Panthers
- DT Bobby Brown III (back) out
- LB Patrick Jones II (back) questionable
Falcons
- CB Billy Bowman Jr. (Achilles) out
- QB Michael Penix Jr. (knee) out
- QB Tua Tagovailoa (oblique) doubtful
- OG Chris Lindstrom (concussion) questionable
- CB A.J. Terrell (shoulder) questionable
USA TODAY Sports Fantasy: Sync your ESPN, Yahoo, CBS or Sleeper league in seconds to unlock custom roster advice, expert projections, and start/sit recommendations built for your team. Stop guessing and start winning. Sync your league now!
Watch the NFL on Fubo!
Panthers at Falcons picks and predictions
Prediction
Panthers 30, Falcons 19
Moneyline
The Panthers (-150) make no sense to bet straight up, costing 1.5 times your potential return. When betting favorites of 3 or fewer points, it's a good practice to lay the points rather than paying up for a tiny amount of insurance or wiggle room.
PASS.
Against the spread
Back PANTHERS -2.5 (-115) in this NFC South Division matchup. Honestly, they're the play up to -4 or -4.5.
The worry is the Carolina defense, after getting steamrolled for 59 points, trying to contain Flacons RB Bijan Robinson. He can do it all. But Atlanta also has a third-string QB likely starting in Rush, and that gives Carolina a decisive edge. He isn't going to carve up the Carolina D like Bears QB Caleb Williams did last week.
Over/Under
OVER 43.5 (-110) is a super low number given the fact, again, that the Panthers nearly a gave up a 60-burger last week.
Yes, the Falcons were involved in a slugfest with the Steelers, but on the fast track at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, even with Rush, look for the offense to be better for the Falcons, especially against a leaky defense.
Betting odds calculator
For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Follow Daniel Dobish on X at @danieledobish. Follow SportsbookWire on X at SportsBookWire and on Facebook.
Access more NFL coverage:
USA TODAY Sports Fantasy | BearsWire | BengalsWire | BillsWire | BroncosWire | BrownsWire | BucsWire | CardsWire | ChargersWire | ChiefsWire | ColtsWire | CommandersWire | CowboysWire | DolphinsWire | EaglesWire | FalconsWire | GiantsWire | JaguarsWire | JetsWire | LionsWire | NinersWire | PackersWire | PanthersWire | PatriotsWire | RaidersWire | RamsWire | RavensWire | SaintsWire | SeahawksWire | SteelersWire | TexansWire | TitansWire | VikingsWire | DraftWire | TouchdownWire | ListWire | High schools
This article originally appeared on Sportsbook Wire: Carolina Panthers at Atlanta Falcons odds, picks and predictions
Our editors independently choose our recommendations. Some content is produced with paid support from a third party, however our editorial decisions remain independent. If you buy through our links, the USA TODAY Network may earn a commission. Prices and availability may change.
Advertiser disclosure: USA TODAY may earn a commission when you sign up through links on this page. Commissions never influence our editorial coverage or rankings. Offers and odds were accurate at publication and are subject to change; terms apply — see the operator’s site. This is general information, not betting, legal or financial advice. To the fullest extent permitted by law, USA TODAY is not liable for losses arising from your use of it.
Must be 21+ (18+ where permitted). Sports betting and casino gaming are not legal everywhere; complying with the laws where you are located is your responsibility. Gamble only with funds you can afford to lose. Gambling problem? Help is available 24/7 — call or text 1-800-GAMBLER, or call the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-MY-RESET. State helplines and responsible gaming resources.
