In 2023, the Atlanta Falcons (6-7; 4-9-0 ATS) and Carolina Panthers (1-12; 2-9-2 ATS) will square off in their final meeting as NFC South foes.
When these teams faced off in Week 1, the Falcons prevailed 24-10. The game is being played at Bank of America Stadium this time, and kickoff is set for Sunday at 1:00 p.m. EDT. Will the results be the same, or will the Panthers deserve to win again?
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Falcons Shared First Place
Atlanta had a fantastic chance to solidify their hold on the NFC South lead last Sunday. Instead, they lost to Tampa Bay by giving up a score with 31 seconds left.
The Buccaneers hold the tiebreaker, but the Falcons are currently tied with three other teams for first place in the division. Although there is a chance for a wild-card position, eight NFC teams are jumbled in that situation.
Atlanta’s defense, which ranks 12th in scoring defense, will attempt to defeat the Panthers once more. The Falcons only give up 5.0 yards per play (10th) and 20.7 points per game. Even with just 26 sacks and 15 takeaways, this squad is difficult to beat.
They allow 6.6 yards per pass attempt (8th) and 3.9 yards per carry (10th). In Week 1, Atlanta limited the Panthers to only 127 passing yards while picking up three turnovers. Will they once again outclass their competitors?
Atlanta’s offense managed to score 15 points on Sunday and has scored more than 20 points in four of their previous five games. Their average for the year is only 19.3 points per game, though.
The Falcons generate the most of their output on the ground, where they rank sixth in the league with 1,718 yards. With 790 rushing yards, rookie Bijan Robinson is leading the club in rushing.
The Falcons gain the 12th-most yards in the NFL with 7.1 yards per pass attempt. To reduce production, their quarterbacks have nevertheless been sacked 36 times and have thrown 10 interceptions. Can Atlanta avoid giving up possession of the ball as they did in their victory in Week 1?
On their final injury report for Week 15, the Atlanta Falcons (6-7) have designated six players as questionable, including three starting offensive linemen.
For Sunday’s game against the Carolina Panthers (1-12), right tackle Kaleb McGary has been ruled out, while left tackle Jake Matthews, right guard Chris Lindstrom, and center Drew Dalman are all doubtful.
In addition, defensive linemen David Onyemata and LaCale London, as well as linebacker Nate Landman, are questionable for Week 15. See here for the team’s complete Friday injury report, along with the assigned games.
| Player | Injury | Wed | Thu | Fri | Status |
| Calais Campbell | Rest | DNP | — | — | — |
| Chris Lindstrom | Ankle | DNP | LP | LP | QUEST. |
| Kaleb McGary | Knee | DNP | DNP | DNP | OUT |
| Jake Matthews | Knee | DNP | LP | LP | QUEST. |
| Kentavius Street | Pectoral | DNP | DNP | DNO | OUT |
| David Onyemata | Ankle | LP | DNP | LP | QUEST. |
| Drew Dalman | Ankle | LP | LP | LP | QUEST. |
| Nate Landman | Knee | LP | LP | LP | QUEST. |
| LaCale London | Knee | FP | FP | FP | QUEST. |
| Jeff Okudah | Ankle | FP | FP | — |
