The Atlanta Falcons won their home opener over Miami as they get set to host the Carolina Panthers, Sunday Sept 20, as the Panthers look to rebound from a bad home loss to Philadelphia. The NFC South rivals have split their last 10 meetings, but the Panthers are 3-1 SU in Atlanta. NFL oddsmakers at Sportsbook.com have the Falcons as -7 point home favs over the Panthers with the over/under set at 43.5 points. Be sure to get your Carolina Panthers at Atlanta Falcons NFL Week 2 Predictions in now at Sportsbook.com
The Panthers lost to Philadelphia 10-38. QB Jake Delhomme made seven of 17 passes for 73 yards. He threw his third interception of the game on the Panthers' opening possession of the second half. In his last two games, Delhomme has committed 12 turnovers. If their offensive line isn’t able to keep Delhomme safe against the Falcons tough defense, it’s going to be a long game. RB DeAngelo Williams had 14 carries for 37 yards with one TD, while catching four passes for 42 yards. Panthers RB DeAngelo Williams has three straight 100-yard rushing games against divisional opponents. Carolina is 8-0 when Williams rushes for 110-plus yards. The Panthers offense generated 14 first downs, four rushing and eight passing and they made 3 of 16 third down conversions.
The Falcons beat Miami 19-7 for their first win of 09. QB Matt Ryan struggled early, but finished with 229 yards passing and two touchdowns after completing 22 of 36 passes. RB Michael Turner had 22 carries for 65 yards, while TE Tony Gonzalez had five catches for 73 yards. Gonzalez's skills were on full display as he demonstrated great hands, route running and the ability to run after the catch. On defense, nine of the Falcons' 19 points came off Dolphins turnovers as their defense dominated them. All three units on the defense — line, linebackers and secondary — all fed off each other. “When a quarterback doesn’t have time to go to his second and third option, I think it enhances your chances to being successful and defending the pass,” Smith said. “The pass rush made our pass defense a lot more efficient.” The Falcons offense generated 19 first downs, three rushing and 15 passing and they made 6 of 15 third down conversions. Under head coach Mike Smith, the Falcons are 12-1 (.923) when leading at halftime.
Recent Trends to Consider:
- Over is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings in Atlanta.
- Under is 12-5-1 in the last 18 meetings.
- Road team is 5-2 ATS in their last 7 meetings.
- Panthers are 3-8-2 ATS in their last 13 meetings in Atlanta.
- Panthers are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games as a road underdog of 3.5-10.0.
- Panthers are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games as an underdog.
Carolina Panthers at Atlanta Falcons NFL Week 2 Predictions
When: Sun, Sept 20, 2009 1:00 PM ET
Line: Sportsbook.com
Pick: Falcons -7
Point-Spreads.com Carolina Panthers at Atlanta Falcons NFL Week 2 Predictions
The Bottom Line: The Falcons defense is going to pressure Delhomme into making mistakes. Go Atlanta. Be sure to get your Carolina Panthers at Atlanta Falcons NFL Week 2 Predictions in now at Sportsbook.com get a 100% Deposit Bonus at Sportsbook.com, simply use promo code WIN100 and start winning today!
