When the opening odds for today's game against the Atlanta Falcons initially came out, the Carolina Panthers were actually 1.5 point underdogs. But the line moved, with Carolina becoming the 1.5-point favorites prior to kickoff.
While that was a good sign for their chances on paper, it also raised the spectre of a tremendously humiliating streak that the Panthers had going for them. According to The Athletic—going into today's game, Carolina had lost nine straight matchups in which they were favored. They were also 0-9 against the spread, somehow:
The Carolina Panthers haven’t won (or covered) a game as a favorite in nearly five years (Nov. 14, 2021). They’re 0-9 straight-up (SU) and against the spread (ATS) as a favorite over that span.
No longer.
Not only did the Panthers take the game and cover the spread, they totally dominated the Falcons in all three phases—winning on the road by a score of 34-3.
Offensively, quarterback Bryce Young put in his second straight very strong performance—racking up 287 passing yards and three scores with no turnovers. Top wide receivers Tetairoa McMillan and Jalen Coker combined for 167 receiving yards.
On defense, it was a banner day for Carolina's new-look linebacker corps. Bobby Okereke and Devin Lloyd combined for 18 tackles, one sack and three interceptions—including a pick-six for Lloyd off rookie quarterback Jack Strand.
The Panthers also found something special on special teams, with Coker thriving in his new role as a punt returner, totaling 49 yards on just two attempts.
This is all extremely promising stuff. If the Panthers can notch a commanding win against Cleveland next week, we just might be convinced that they're ready for the brutal slate of contenders that awaits them in the middle portion of their 2026 schedule.
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This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Panthers break humiliating 5-year streak with win over Falcons
