The Atlanta Falcons shook off a tough loss in Week 1 to power through the Minnesota Vikings in Week 2, and now they’ll set up shop in Carolina where they can secure a winning record against the lowly Panthers.
My Falcons vs. Panthers predictions will explain why there’s so much to love about the Falcons on both sides of the ball, and why the ground game should continue to impress on Sunday.
Read below for my NFL picks for Sunday, September 21.
Falcons vs Panthers prediction
Falcons vs Panthers Best bet: Falcons -5.5 (-105)
The Atlanta Falcons are humming along despite their 1-1 record, shaking off a tough loss in Week 1 to Tampa Bay and took care of business against Minnesota last weekend. Bijan Robinson was unstoppable against Minnesota’s front seven while the defense continued to impress, and this questionable secondary now ranks 13th according to Pro Football Focus.
Now, the sample size is still very limited and Atlanta did have the good fortune of facing Carson Wentz in Week 2, but the fact is that this team is slowly gelling into one strong unit and the strengths of the offense have been undeniable.
Robinson’s a strong runner – and the Falcons have a wonderful two-pronged attack – but the offensive line has helped out immensely. It ranks seventh in run blocking according to PFF with an above-average mark in pass protection, and this Carolina Panthers defense is eighth-worst in rushing DVOA and eighth-worst in coverage to boot.
That should open the door for one of the most explosive offenses in football to run wild all day, and with the improvements we’ve seen on defense out of Atlanta there’s so much to like here with the number we’re being dealt.
Bryce Young has been pressured like crazy behind this porous offensive line, and Atlanta’s pass rush has been palpable. There really shouldn’t be a question regarding which team is better, and even on the road I expect a neat and tidy victory.
Falcons vs Panthers same-game parlay
There’s not much more to say about the first two legs here; Bijan Robinson is coming off a game where he averaged 6.5 yards on 22 carries, and one where the Falcons ran it 39 times to just 21 passing attempts.
The young star may have been neutralized against Tampa Bay, but this matchup offers far more upside with Carolina’s defense in the gutter. I also love Bryce Young’s rushing total here, given the line’s projected struggles against Atlanta’s pass rush.
The Falcons have already allowed 64 rushing yards through two games and allowed the third-most last year to opposing quarterbacks.
Falcons vs Panthers SGP
- Atlanta Falcons -5.5
- Bijan Robinson Over 81.5 rushing yards
- Bryce Young Over 13.5 rushing yards
Our big-ticket SGP: Falcons Soar!
We know the Falcons’ offense will be predicated around the run, and as the ball moves downfield I expect Tyler Allgeier to punch one in from in close. He’s received six touches in the red zone to Robinson’s five, but from within 10 yards he’s been the primary option with four carries to two.
He’s got the lone touchdown between the two, too. Then, we go with Leonard Floyd – who recorded a sack last week – to break through this Panthers line again. He’ll have the easiest matchup against left tackle Ikem Ekonwu and is growing into a larger role with this team.
Falcons vs Panthers SGP
- Atlanta Falcons -5.5
- Bijan Robinson Over 81.5 rushing yards
- Bryce Young Over 13.5 rushing yards
- Tyler Allgeier anytime touchdown scorer
- Leonard Floyd Over 0.5 sacks
Falcons vs Panthers odds
- Spread: Falcons -3.5 (-115) | Panthers +2.5 (-105)
- Moneyline: Falcons -200 | Panthers +165
- Over/Under: Over 45.5 (-110) | Under 45.5 (-110)
More NFL picks and odds from Covers
Falcons vs Panthers trend to know
The Carolina Panthers have hit the 2Q Game Total Over in 14 of their last 17 games (+10.80 Units / 57% ROI). Find more NFL betting trends for Falcons vs. Panthers.
How to watch Falcons vs Panthers
| Location | Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, NC |
| Date | Sunday, September 21, 2025 |
| Kickoff | 1:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | FOX |
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