NFC South Title on the Line When Carolina visits Atlanta
The Carolina Panthers visit the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday afternoon. The winner will take home the NFC South division title and qualify for the postseason, while the loser’s season ends in disappointment.
Carolina is leading the division by a half game over Atlanta but must defeat Atlanta on its home field to win the division title.
The current line has Atlanta favored at home by 4 points with the point total sitting comfortably at 47.5.
Following a stretch of seven weeks without a victory, Carolina has now won three straight. The Panthers three straight up wins were close as they were 1-2 against the spread in the same games.
The UNDER has cashed in 2 of the past 3 games for the Panthers.
Atlanta is 1-2 SU and 2-1 ATS in its past three games played. The UNDER has cashed in 2 of the past 3 games the Falcons have played.
The Falcons 2-1 SU in their past 3 games head to head against Carolina played in Atlanta.
The winner will finish below .500, as Carolina is currently 6-8-1 and Atlanta 6-9 on the season. The winner will play in the wildcard round next week. With a win, Carolina will repeat as the NFC South champion.
Carolina will have its hands full on the road against Atlanta, but has held its past three opponents to less than 20 points per game.
In addition, Jonathan Stewart has been the leader in a rejuvenated running attack for the Panthers.
Cam Newton missed just one game following an auto accident where he fractured two bones in his back.
He was not sharp in his return last week, but had 201 yards passing and a touchdown pass and rushed for 63 yards.
Wide receiver Julio Jones has had an excellent season for Atlanta, but has battled an injured oblique.
He did not play in Week 15, but last week returned and caught 7 passes for 107 yards.
The secondary of Carolina will have a hard time containing Jones and his fellow wide out Roddy White.
Weather will not be a factor as the game will be in the Georgia Dome
Some like the Panthers against the spread with their tough defense and the points they are getting as the road dog. Others see a low scoring game highlighting the UNDER, while even others see Atlanta easily defeating the Panthers to win the NFC South.
Pick: If Julio Jones can remain healthy for the entire game his quarterback Matt Ryan will find him. The Falcons will move the chains enough times to be the victors both SU and ATS.
