Through seven games, the Atlanta offense is averaging 26.3 points per game and 417.0 yards per game, 311.6 through the air and 105.4 on the ground. Todd Gurley leads the team with 485 rushing yards and seven touchdowns, while Calvin Ridley is the top Atlanta receiver with 40 receptions for 615 yards and six touchdowns. Defensively, the Falcons are allowing 29.6 points and 436.9 yards, 344.4 passing and 92.4 rushing.
The Carolina offense is averaging 23.1 points per game and 381.1 yards per game, 275.7 through the air and 105.4 on the ground. Mike Davis leads Carolina with 284 rush yards and two touchdowns, while Robbie Anderson leads with 46 receptions for 640 yards and one touchdown. Defensively, the Panthers are allowing 24.0 points and 356.9 yards, 232.9 passing and 124.0 rushing.
Below is my best bet for Week 8 action between the Atlanta Falcons and Carolina Panthers. All lines are from DraftKings Sportsbook.
Atlanta Falcons at Carolina Panthers (-3): O/U 50.5 (-110/-110)
Poor Atlanta. This franchise finds a new, painful, way to lose every week and that continued last week when they lost 23-22 to the Detroit Lions at home. Atlanta was trailing 16-14 when Todd Gurley scored a go-ahead touchdown with 1:04 left. The issue was that if Gurley just took a knee the Falcons could have taken a few knees and kicked a game winning field goal as time expired. Detroit got the ball back with no timeouts and marched down the field to win the game as time expired. Just another week in Atlanta. Matt Ryan went 31/42 for 338 yards and one touchdown. Todd Gurley rushed the ball 23 times for 63 yards and two touchdowns.
Carolina visited the New Orleans Saints and left with a 27-24 defeat. This game was back and forth all game and the Panthers attempted a NFL record 65-yard field goal to send the game to overtime, but it was just a few yards short. Teddy Bridgewater went 23/28 for 254 yards, and two touchdowns on the day. DJ Moore hauled in four balls for 93 yards and two touchdowns.
Series History: Atlanta has won five of the last six meetings and leads the all-time series 32-19.
Game Prediction: I can never quit the Falcons and I am going to back them to cover Thursday night. Give me Atlanta +3.
2020-2021 NFL Season Picks Results: 24-14
