Falcons at Panthers ATS Prediction – NFL Week 15

Atlanta Falcons (6-7 SU, 4-9 ATS) at Carolina Panthers (1-12, 2-9-2), 12/17/23

When: 1 pm ET Sunday, Dec. 17

Where: Bank of America Stadium

TV: Fox

Betting Odds

Point Spread: Atl -3/Car +3

Money line: Falcons -165/Panthers +145

Total: 34.5

The Falcons seem like they can’t get out of their way sometimes, yet they remain in the NFC playoff race, heading into Sunday afternoon’s NFC South bout with the Panthers in Charlotte.

Atlanta lost another close game last week and can’t afford too many more if they want to make the playoffs.

But can the Falcons even avoid an upset bid from one-win Carolina? Bet it free with one of our NUMEROUS 100% bonus offers!

NFL Betting Odds

The Week 15 NFL betting market opened Atlanta as a three-point divisional road favorite for Sunday, with an over/under of around 35.5. Early betting action dipped that total to 34.5.

Falcons-Panthers Betting Preview

Atlanta failed to extend a two-game victory run last week, losing a big divisional game at home to Tampa Bay 29-25. The Falcons trailed in the third quarter 19-10, rallied to lead 25-22 late but allowed the Buccaneers to drive 75 yards to a game-winning touchdown.

The game ended with an Atlanta receiver tackled on the Tampa 3-yard line.

The Falcons out-gained the Bucs 434-290 but committed the only turnover of the game, which led directly to a Tampa touchdown.

Back in November, Atlanta lost consecutive games to Tennessee, Minnesota, and Arizona by a total of 10 points. And they led two of those games really late. The Falcons then beat New Orleans 24-15 and the Jets 13-8 before falling last week.

Realistically, with a few plays here and there, Atlanta could be, like, 6-1 over its last seven games.

As it is, at 6-7 overall, the Falcons trail playoff spots by just tie-breakers in the NFC.

Meanwhile, Carolina carries a six-game losing skid into Sunday after falling at New Orleans last Sunday 28-6. The Panthers only trailed 14-6 well into the fourth quarter but faded over the last few minutes and came up short ATS at +6.

Carolina actually out-gained the Saints 303-207 and won the ground battle 204-97. But the Panthers had a punt blocked for a New Orleans touchdown and botched at least a couple of good scoring opportunities.

Carolina’s now out-rushed each of its last four opponents. And the defense is doing its part. The Panthers are just not getting any decent production from the passing game, as rookie QB Young continues to struggle.

Two weeks ago, Carolina lost at Tampa 21-18. Three weeks ago, they lost at Tennessee 17-10.

At 1-12 overall, the Panthers are playing these last few games for pride before another new coaching regime comes in this off-season.

Common Opponents

These two teams have played six common opponents this season: the Saints, Bucs, Vikings, Titans, Texans, and Lions. Atlanta played those opponents to 3-4 SU, 2-5 ATS but +14 yards per game, Carolina to 1-6 SU, 2-4-1 ATS, and -18 YPG.

Falcons-Panthers Recent History

Atlanta is 3-1 SU, 2-2 ATS over the last four meetings in this rivalry. Back in Week 1, the Falcons took the first meeting between the teams this season 24-10.

Carolina, in Young’s first career start, led that game 10-7 in the third quarter. But Atlanta scored the last 17 points for the W.

The Panthers actually out-played the Falcons that day, but three Carolina turnovers led directly to 17 Atlanta points.

NFL Betting Trends

Atlanta is 6-5 SU, 4-7 ATS with Ridder as the starter at QB this season, averaging only 18 PPG.

Through Week 14, NFL home dogs are 33-42 ATS.

Totals Report

The Unders are 8-5 in Falcons games this season, which are averaging 40 total points.

The Unders are 9-4 in Panthers games, which are averaging just 41 points.

Over the last three weeks, the Overs are 26-18 in the NFL, but on the season, the Unders are 116-92.

Free NFL Betting Pick

Atlanta comes in at +23 YPG this season, which is a number more indicative of a 7-6 team or even 8-5, rather than one that’s 6-7. The Falcons own the better running game, the better run defense, and the better performance against common opponents. Also, Atlanta had a lot of things go wrong last week to lose by four points. We expect a bounce-back result on Sunday. We’ll take the Falcons.