Atlanta Falcons vs Carolina Panthers: Blogging Dirty picks

Coming off the biggest regular-season win, maybe ever, for the Atlanta Falcons, the Carolina Panthers will have their full attention as they look to win back to back games for the first time in 2019.

The Atlanta Falcons will see a new look Panthers team as former MVP Cam Newton is on Injured Reserve and more than likely will never suit up again for the I-85 rival. This game has a lot of interesting matchups to watch as it will be strength on strength.

The Panthers passing defense is among the best in the NFL and the Falcons boast one of the best passing attacks in the league as well. Without tight end, Austin Hooper will be a big test for Atlanta and their playmakers. Can they do enough in his absence to put points on the board in Charlotte?

Here is how the staff at Blogging Dirty thinks it will go.

Jeff Benedict – Site Expert

This week will be very interesting for the Atlanta Falcons. Yes, Matt Ryan will play again despite his injury and they also get Desmond Trufant back but no Austin Hooper is a huge blow. Hoop was coming on as one of the best tight ends in the entire league. He was tied with Travis Kelce for most catches and touchdowns among all NFL tight ends and was more than likely on his way to his first All-Pro selection.

I think the Falcons will do just enough on defense to win the game. It won’t be the blowout that last week was, but a win is a win.

• Falcons: 27
• Panthers: 17

Ross Terrell – Contributor

This is what we’d all been hoping for. The Falcons to run the table in the division. They’re looking for their third straight win in the I-85 series. Christain McCaffrey is a problem but the Falcons may have the answer to stopping him: Deion Jones.

• Falcons: 24
• Panthers: 17

Joe Beasley – Contributor

The Falcons are off to face another division rival in the Carolina Panthers. The key to stopping this team would be to neutralize Christian McCaffrey. The Falcons did a great job in slowing down Kamara and the Saints high powered defense with solid tackling and six sacks. If they can get that kind of pressure on Kyle Allen, it could be a long day for the Panthers offense.

The offense for the Falcons will be without Austin Hooper and Devonta Freeman. I still expect this team to put up some great numbers if Matt Ryan stays upright. Look for our “running back by committee” to perform well and make some plays. It looks as if the Falcons might end up with a two-game win streak.

• Falcons: 27
• Panthers: 17

Matt Siegman – Contributor

The Falcons are flying high after blowing out the Saints last week in New Orleans. The Falcons look like a completely different team after the bye week. Expect that trend to continue as they travel to Carolina. The Falcons offense will move the ball but struggle to score touchdowns so expect a lot of Younghoe Koo.

Normally teams might struggle against Christian McCaffery but thankfully the Falcons have Deion Jones, the best coverage linebacker in the NFL. As long as the defensive line does their job the Falcons will win by two scores.

• Falcons: 33
• Panthers: 23

Deen Worley – Contributor

We will do just enough to contain McCaffrey and largely hold Kyle Allen to a not so productive day. On offense, I have confidence in our run game going up against one of the worst rush defenses in the league. Look for Hill to have another career game vs Carolina.

• Falcons: 27
• Panthers: 20

Matt Summers – Contributor

The Atlanta Falcons will keep their momentum moving forward starting with the Panthers. I look for the defense to continue improving, and the offense to keep rolling with Matt Ryan under center. The Falcons will win game one against the Panthers this year.

• Falcons: 27
• Panthers: 13

Ethan Johnson – Contributor

Last Sunday’s win over the Saints was the best performance I have seen from this team since the 2017-2018 season. The defense played lights out and the offense was clicking. The game this Sunday against the Panthers could be a letdown game coming off of an emotional win. The Panthers can’t afford to lose this game, while the Atlanta Falcons have nothing to lose. This will be a close contest to the very end because of this.

• Falcons: 21
• Panthers: 28