Panthers vs. Falcons Prediction, Pick, Odds: Expect Growing Pains for No. 1 Overall Pick Bryce Young
The Carolina Panthers and the Atlanta Falcons kick off the first NFL Sunday slate of the 2023 season. Jason Radowitz is here to explain why you should expect growing pains for Bryce Young. Check out his Panthers vs. Falcons prediction, pick, and latest odds.
Jason Radowitz - September 7, 2023, 10:01 AM EDT
5 minPanthers vs. Falcons Prediction, Pick, Odds: Expect Growing Pains for No. 1 Overall Pick Bryce Young
The Carolina Panthers drafted their franchise quarterback, Bryce Young, with the first overall selection in the NFL Draft.
Young has a lot of potential. That's why he was selected first overall. But it'll likely take him some time to get familiar with the faster pace of play in the NFL.
The rookie threw for 129 yards and one touchdown in preseason play this season. However, he only completed 58.2% of passes.
Like the Panthers, young and the Panthers will face an Atlanta Falcons team filled with young talent. It's just that the Falcons are a year or two ahead in their rebuilding phase compared to the Panthers.
Atlanta is riding out this season with Desmond Ridder at quarterback. He improved in Year 1, but he's expected to be much better in Year 2.
Will it show against the Panthers?
Here are our picks, predictions, and odds for Sunday's game between the Carolina Panthers vs. Atlanta Falcons.
Panthers vs. Falcons Start Time, Where to Watch, and Odds
- Date: September 10, 2023
- Game Time: 1:00 pm ET
- Where to Watch: FOX
Panthers vs. Falcons Odds
- Spread: Panthers +3.5 (-110), Falcons -3.5 (-110)
- Total Odds: O/U 39.5 (-110)
- Moneyline Odds: Panthers (+155), Falcons (-180)
Panthers vs. Falcons Injury Report
Panthers
Questionable: DE Brian Burnes (Holdout), WR DJ Chark (Hamstring), WR Terrace Marshall Jr. (Back), RB Miles Sanders (Groin)
Out: G Austin Corbett (Knee), Marquis Haynes Sr. (Back), TE Stephen Sullivan (Undisclosed)
Falcons
Questionable: WR KhaDarel Hodge (Ankle), CB Jeff Okudah (Ankle), RB Cordarrelle Patterson (Undisclosed)
Out: CB Cornell Armstrong (Hamstring), WR Penny Hart (Concussion(, OL Matt Hennessy (Knee), RB Avery Williams (Knee)
Carolina Panthers vs. Atlanta Falcons Prediction
The Falcons have a roster that can compete. Now, it's just time to put it all together.
Desmond Ridder was selected in last year's NFL Draft with the 74th overall pick. He eventually took over for Marcus Mariota in the previous season and was named the starter for this year.
Ridder played in four games. He added two touchdowns and no interceptions in the air. However, he completed 63.5% of his passes. Still, he took nine sacks in four games, which is a bit high.
Ridder is a capable runner. He averaged four carries a game with four yards per carry last season.
But the significant addition to the running game this year is Bijan Robinson. Robinson is a rookie from Texas who was Atlanta's first-round selection. He's expected to earn plenty of carries and is projected to be a top-five running back this season.
The passing game is a bit weak. Drake London will be No. 1. Then it'll be Mack Hollins and Scotty Miller as the second and third options. The Falcons also have Kyle Pitts at tight end, but he's made little impact since being in Atlanta. However, he still has the talent to put up big numbers if engaged in the offense.
Last year's defense wasn't excellent. The run defense was average, but the pass rush and secondary didn't do much.
On the other hand, Carolina has a lot of playmaking ability around Bryce Young. Miles Sanders is at running back, and Adam Thielen will be paired with D.J. Chark at receiver.
The Panthers also added Jonathan Minogo from the NFL Draft and veteran Hayden Hurst to play tight end. The offensive line was very weak regarding run blocking last year. If that continues, Young will need to excel in the passing game. But it'll take time for him to figure out different reads and get familiar with the NFL game.
Defensively, the Panthers rushed the passer very well. But Brian Burnes, who was a big reason why, is holding out as he looks for a new contract. If he doesn't play, the pass rush won't be as good as last year.
The Falcons are practically a year ahead of the Panthers. I'll back them to cover the spread in this one.
Carolina Panthers vs. Atlanta Falcons Pick
- Falcons -3.5 -110 is currently the best odds. Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds for this pick
NFL Odds
