Atlanta Falcons @ Carolina Panthers

Matchup Basics

Matchup Insight

For the second week in a row, Thursday night football pits two sub .500 divisional against each other in a battle of who wants it more. This match is the second instalment of the Falcons vs Panthers this year with the first match going to the Panthers due to inadequacies in Matt Ryan's arm and the dual-threat capability of Mike Davis. Christian McCaffery may return this week, he has game-breaking ability and has averaged 160 scrimmage yards vs the Falcons over the last two years but hasn't managed to find the endzone.

The Panthers offence has gone from strength to strength over the last few weeks even without their #1 weapon. Teddy Bridgewater has the second-best completion rate in the NFL, and the rapport he has with DJ Moore and Robby Anderson is sensational. In the first meeting between these teams, Bridgewater blasted these two receivers to the tune of 205 yards and a score. The Mike Davis experiment seems to be losing some steam coming into week eight after failing to fire vs the Bears and Saints, so McCaffery’s return could be all the more crucial vs a poor Falcons run stop unit.

The Falcons rollercoaster offence is one of the most inconsistent in the league, they have a top tier receiving unit, but Matt Ryan struggles at times to find the open man. Todd Gurley has been useful in the red zone this season scoring 7 TDs (1 he wasn't supposed to) but has generally struggled to move the chains with his only 100-yard game coming against the Panthers in week 5. Julio Jones is back and has averaged over 100 yards in the last two games. His big-game ability can prove the difference between these teams the second time around.

Defensively both of these teams are poor, and their defensive backs have been targeted all season long. The Falcons have allowed over 70% completions the most passing yards and the most passing TDs to opposition QBs in the league. They have been getting better against the run allowing only 647 yards on the ground this year, but that number is skewed due to how easy it is to throw against them. The Panthers on the other hand hold deficiencies on the other side of the defence, granted their secondary is not great it is too easy to run on the Panthers allowing 4.9 yards per carry to opposition runners. They also have allowed a very high completion % at 69%. Still, unlike the Falcons with the highest yards per pass attempt, the Panthers have allowed the fewest yards per attempt at 6.3 showing poor play against screen and slant routes.

With these stats in mind, we should see Russel Gage and Hayden Hurst get involved a lot more over the middle. Julio Jones will look to continue his high volume performance over the last two games as Matt Ryan's favourite target leading to a down game for Calvin Ridley. For the Panthers whoever gets the nod out of Davis and McCaffery will be able to find a good matchup in the passing game as the Falcons have been leaking receiving yards to running backs. Both Dj Moore and Robby Anderson could be set for massive games with the edge leaning to Moore, who has a higher ceiling and can break games open at any time.

The Last Word

In what looks to be an enthralling revenge game, the advantage will lean to the players who couldn't suit up last time around. If McCaffery can't get back to fitness in time, then Jones will steal the headlines and could take their second win back to Atlanta. There is a chance of rain hanging around the stadium, which is why the over isn't a must-play but I do lean that way if we get clear skies. Teddy Bridgewater has struggled as the favourite throughout his career. He plays better as an underdog, so I lean towards the Falcons and the points although it sits tough to open your wallet for a one-win team.