NFL Lines Game Preview and Predictions-Atlanta at Carolina

Posted by Aaron . on December 11, 2015 in

The Atlanta Falcons (6-6) head to Carolina to take on the Panthers (12-0) for the first of two NFL lines divisional games they will play in three weeks. The Panthers have won six consecutive games in the division, and in their last 17 games, they are 14-3 straight up and 11-6 against the spread. Carolina is a 6.5-point favorite, and the over-under total is 47.

Why on earth would you bet on the Falcons?

dRemember that Atlanta was 5-0 at one point. However, they did win at Carolina last year, 19-17, and it’s somewhat easy to see this as a potential trap game for the Panthers. Carolina does have one of the top offenses in the division, with star wide receiver Julio Jones leading the NFL in receiving yards. Tailback Devonta Freeman has returned from a concussion, and it’s important to remember that Matt Ryan has been a strong quarterback in the past.

Here’s why you should bet on Carolina:

Panthers-vs-Saints-NFL-Lines-compressorThe Falcons are 0-8 against the spread in their last eight. The Panthers may have had their trap game already as they had to pull out all the stops just to beat lowly New Orleans last week, 41-38 in the Superdome. Cam Newton is a top candidate for the league’s MVP after his five-touchdown performance against the Saints last week, moving past Tom Brady, whose Patriots now have dropped two straight.

Falcons @ Panthers NFL Lines Final Predictions

I don’t see the Falcons coming into Carolina and putting up a win. The spread is under a touchdown, and I see Carolina easily winning by at least that margin this week. Now in two weeks, when Atlanta hosts Carolina and the Panthers will have the temptation to rest players going into the playoffs, I would take a harder look at picking them. However, this week I like the Panthers to take the Falcons to the woodshed and cover. I’m not sure about the over, because I don’t think Atlanta will score enough to hold up their end, so I’m staying away from that. Instead, take Carolina to cover.