NFL Panthers at Falcons Week 5 Betting Preview
Winless Atlanta Still Favored on Sunday Afternoon
Atlanta is 0-4 on the season, but is still a -2.5 home favorite heading into Panthers at Falcons week 5 betting. Atlanta might not be as bad as their record indicates though, as games against the Bears and Cowboys were both dropped on miraculous comebacks. Carolina comes into this meeting with momentum however, winners of two straight.
The big question for the Falcons in this meeting is the status of Julio Jones, who is doubtful with a hamstring injury. Carolina’s defense has buckled down the last two weeks, and Atlanta being without a major offensive weapon puts them at a disadvantage. Oddsmakers are still expecting a bevy of points with a betting total of 54.
Panthers Figuring Things Out?
Carolina started off the season a bit slow, losing 34-30 at home to Las Vegas as +3 underdogs and dropping a week two contest in Tampa, 31-17 at +7.5. The underwhelming start could have been expected though, with the Panthers trying to adjust to new head coach Matt Rhule’s system and with a new QB in Teddy Bridgewater – all without a preseason.
Carolina looks good the last two weeks coming into Panthers at Falcons week 5 betting. Carolina used five FG’s and solid defense to score the 21-16 win at the Chargers as +6 underdogs and looked to finally put things together last week, beating Arizona 31-21 as +3 home ‘dogs.
The Panthers were able to run the ball against Arizona last week as Mike Davis and Reggie Bonnafon had 26 attempts for 137 yards. Carolina has somewhat surprisingly put up a #12 offense in total yards, and there will be opportunities to increase that on Sunday. Atlanta ranks 31st in yards allowed, points against, and passing yards against. Bridgewater is completing 73% of his passes this season which means Carolina will be able to move the ball at will here. Robby Anderson’s 377 receiving yards is 7th in the NFL.
Can Atlanta Find a Defense?
Bridgewater has been patient and accurate guiding Carolina’s offense, something that has to have Falcons backers a bit worried ahead of Sunday’s game. The Falcons defense hasn’t stopped anybody this season, allowing 30+ points in all four losses.
Atlanta’s secondary is especially futile this season. Aaron Rodgers was the latest QB to dice the Falcons DB’s, going 27/33 for 327 yards with 4/0. Rodgers’ performance followed Nick Foles coming off the bench to throw 3 TDs (with one more dropped and another intercepted in the end zone) in about a quarter-and-a-half. Dak Prescott has a 450 yard outing against Atlanta and Russell Wilson started Atlanta’s woes going 31 of 35 with 322 yards and 4/0.
It looks like Bridgewater and Carolina are going to get theirs through the air in Panthers at Falcons week 5 betting, but can the Atlanta offense counter? The Falcons have virtually no running game as their 101.8 yards/game is 24th in the league. Matt Ryan is averaging nearly 300 yds/game but Jones is likely out and Calvin Ridley was shut out of the stat sheet last week by Green Bay while playing through a thigh injury.
Panthers at Falcons Week 5 Betting Free Pick
There’s just nothing to like about Atlanta right now. The defense is atrocious, but the offense has started to degrade with injuries to key playmakers. Carolina on the other hand is a team on the rise and Bridgewater looks especially comfortable in Rhule’s offense right now. Somehow 52% of the betting public likes Atlanta at home, but it seems like the wrong team is favored here.
Panthers 31 – Falcons 21
Free Pick: Panthers +2.5
