The Falcons need to beat the Panthers on Sunday afternoon in Atlanta, plus have a miracle with the Saints upsetting the Bucs in order to win the NFC South. With that unlikely to happen, will Atlanta even cover in today’s Panthers vs. Falcons matchup at 1:00 p.m. ET?
Game Matchup & Betting Odds
Carolina Panthers (+8) at Atlanta Falcons (-8); o/u 49
Mercedes Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA
1:00 p.m. ET, Sunday, January 5, 2025
Panthers vs. Falcons Public Betting: Bettors Backing Atlanta
Our NFL Public Betting Information page indicates that 60% of public bettors are currently backing the Falcons when it comes to the spread. This information is subject to change throughout the day, however, so be sure to check the link so you’re receiving the most up-to-date public betting data.
Panthers activate Sanders from IR
Panthers activated RB Miles Sanders (ankle) from injured reserve. Sanders makes his return to an active roster now without both Chuba Hubbard and Jonathon Brooks, likely leaving him in line to serve as the lead back in the team’s final game of the regular season against the Falcons. His ultimate workload likely depends on his level of health after working his way back from an ankle injury that forced a trip to injured reserve, but the Panthers should have every reason to continue with full effort as they work through the future of their franchise.
Mooney a long-shot to face Panthers
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports Darnell Mooney (shoulder) is a “long-shot” to play in Week 18 against the Panthers. Rapoport didn’t rule Mooney out but reiterated that it is an uphill battle for the veteran receiver to play this week. Mooney suffered the shoulder injury in practice and was downgraded to a DNP on Friday, a bad sign for his Week 18 outlook. Assuming he doesn’t suit up, KhaDarel Hodge will step into the three-receiver rotation alongside Drake London and Ray-Ray McCloud.
Panthers vs. Falcons Betting Trends
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Carolina’s last 6 games
Carolina is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Atlanta’s last 5 games at home
Atlanta is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Carolina
Panthers vs. Falcons Prediction:
Take Carolina. The Falcons’ season essentially ended last Sunday night in Washington, D.C. thanks to poor clock management by overmatched head coach Raheem Morris. (I’ll spare everyone the details of how badly Morris botched the clock at the end of both halves.) In fact, one could argue that Morris botched the Kirk Cousins/Michael Penix Jr. situation as well. Cousins’ immobility and diminished arm strength were apparent all the way back in Week 10, when the Falcons lost 20-17 to the Saints. They really looked shot in Denver the following week, yet Morris stuck with Cousins through two more losses before finally pulling the plug in Week 16.
Regardless, the Falcons may win this game but the Panthers will give them a battle. Carolina has long been out of the playoff race but the team has showed some grit in the second half of the season. Morris and his coaching staff should keep this game closer than it should be.
Panthers vs. Falcons NFL Prediction: CAROLINA PANTHERS +8