NFL Week One: Panthers vs Falcons Betting Preview

The Carolina Panthers (0-0) head to Atlanta, Georgia to take on the Falcons (0-0) in week one action of the 2023 NFL season. Not only did both teams finish with identical ATS records but they both had NFL team records of 7-10. Atlanta is a 3.5-point favorite after opening at 2.5; the total has been bet down to 39.5 from 43.5. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 pm ET / 10:00 am PT and can be seen on Fox Sports.

We start our Panthers vs Falcons betting preview by looking at the Panthers from a betting perspective.

Panthers Hope For A Better Week One Result

We don’t go too deep on these things because players and coaches change over time, but Carolina fans know that history hasn’t been kind to the Cats in week one after losing three of their last four openers and 17 of 28.

Five times since 2007, Carolina has been an underdog of 4 points or less in week one, failing to cover four of five. When facing the NFC South to start the season, the Panthers are 7-13 ATS. In November, Carolina beat Atlanta in their last meeting, 25-15. Head Coach Franch Reich gets a new start in Charlotte after spending the previous four-plus seasons in Indianapolis with the Colts.

In his career, Reich is 36-35-3 ATS since 2018, 13-13 ATS over his last three seasons, including 3-6 in 2022 before being fired. Straight-up, Reich is 40-33-1 in his career.

The 2021 Heisman Trophy winner Bryce Young will start at quarterback for Reich after finishing. Young was the first pick overall in the 2023 draft after playing at Alabama for three seasons. While at Bama, the Tide was 12-11 ATS when Young started. He’ll try to resurrect an offense that finished 29th in the NFL with 3-6.2 yards per game.

Most feel with the addition of Young, the 2023 season will be a massive improvement in the NFL standings. We continue our Panthers vs Falcons betting preview by turning our attention to Atlanta.

Falcons Exude New Attitude In Preseason

Those that make NFL predictions, which we suppose is us, have the Falcons right around the .500 mark at best. However, if attitude and energy determine where a team finishes in the NFL Football standings, Atlanta may challenge for a playoff spot.

Head Coach Arthur Smith says he having the most fun he’s ever had as he heads into his third season with the Falcons. Smith is just 14-20 straight-up in his head coaching career and 15-18-1 ATS, after producing his first winning season against the number in 2022.

Speaking of struggling in season openers, the Falcons have had their wings clipped, failing to cover in six of their last seven openers, with their lone cover coming previous season against the New Orleans Saints as a 6-point dog (Lost 27-26).

Over the last 20 years, the Falcons are 9-11 ATS in week one. The Falcons used their cap space to bring big names like DL Calas Campbell and safety Jessie Bates III. Desmond Ridder starts behind center for Atlanta with four games of experience.

Let’s conclude our Panthers vs Falcons betting preview by releasing our official selection.

We’re Going Against Public In Week One

When this number opened at 43.5 in the desert, we were worried that it was too high. Thankfully, the public agreed with 74% of the money, pushing the number down to a manageable 39.5.

We think this number has leveled off, so we headed to the book to take the over as our official selection.

We’re willing to be that until we can lean on Ridder to provide offensive consistency. Atlanta will continue to be an under-machine as they have been in 13 of their last 20 games.

That does it for our Panthers vs Falcons betting preview. We wish you the best with all your wagers this weekend.

For NFL betting news, odds analysis, and more, visit Point Spreads Sports Magazine.

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