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The Atlanta Falcons will host the Carolina Panthers for their Week 4 matchup at the Georgia Dome on Sunday.
According to OddsShark, the Falcons are a three-point underdog. The over-under is set at 50. The computer expects Atlanta to be victorious 26.5-20.4. The computer is expecting the Falcons to cover and under on the point total.
The Panthers sit at 1-2 after opening the season with a loss against the Denver Broncos in Week 1 and a loss to the Minnesota Vikings in Week 3. Sunday’s game marks the first of three consecutive division games for the three-time reigning NFC South champions.
The Falcons opened the season with a loss, but notched back-to-back wins over the Oakland Raiders and New Orleans Saints to enter Sunday with a 2-1 record. Atlanta enters with the league’s top-ranked scoring offense at 34.7 points per game and has a plenty of playmakers to keep that momentum going in Week 4.
Atlanta quarterback Matt Ryan has completed 73 of 103 passes for 970 yards, seven touchdowns and once interception. Ryan is fourth in the NFL in passing yards, and has already connected with 11 different receivers.
The Falcons boast the No.1 offense in the NFL, and they’re playing at home. Although all signs point to Atlanta winning this one, Carolina is desperate and faced with a must-win situation. Cam Newton should be able to place enough pressure on the league’s 30th-ranked defense for a road victory. Carolina has the fifth-best pass defense in the NFL and is only allowing 183 yards passing per game. Additionally, the Panthers are only allowing 90.3 yards rushing per game to opponents. I expect the game to be a close one, but ultimately the Panthers will manage to pull off the win.
Heavy’s Pick: Carolina Panthers 34, Atlanta Falcons 31