Atlanta Falcons at Carolina Panthers: Predictions, picks and odds for NFL Week 15 game – USA TODAY

Both the Atlanta Falcons (6-7) and Carolina Panthers (1-12) are hoping to get back in the win column — for Carolina it’s been a bit longer — in a Week 15 NFC South matchup at Bank of America Stadium.
The Falcons are coming off a 29-25 loss to another division foe, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Desmond Ridder was 26-of-40 for for 347 yards, a touchdown and an interception, his third 300-yard game of his career. He also ran in for a score.
The Panthers dropped yet another game when they fell 28-6 to another member of the NFC South, the New Orleans Saints. Their offense outpaced the Saints 303 yards to 207, 204 of those yards coming on the ground. But they failed to reach the end zone for the first time this season.
Atlanta won the season opener against Carolina 24-10. In their rookie debuts, Bryce Young went 20-of-38 for 146 yards and threw a touchdown and two interceptions while Bijan Robinson had 10 carries for 56 yards with six catches for 27 yards and a receiving touchdown.
Which rookie will shine in the rematch?
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The Falcons are favorites to defeat the Panthers, according to the BetMGM NFL odds. Looking to wager? Check out the best mobile sports betting apps offering NFL betting promos in 2023, including the new ESPN BET app.
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Raiders vs. Chargers | Bengals vs. Vikings | Colts vs. Steelers | Lions vs. Broncos | Panthers vs. Falcons | Browns vs. Bears | Packers vs. Buccaneers | Dolphins vs. Jets | Saints vs. Giants | Titans vs. Texans | Patriots vs. Chiefs | Cardinals vs. 49ers | Rams vs. Commanders | Bills vs. Cowboys | Jaguars vs. Ravens | Seahawks vs. Eagles
This division is generally chaotic and the Falcons have been one of the most unpredictable teams all season. Still, I think you have to back them — though very cautiously — against a Panthers team that has covered just three times all season.
The Panthers need to go into the offseason and reinvent themselves. The Falcons are eyeing the playoffs and can’t afford to lose against an inferior divisional opponent. The Falcons (6-7), Bucs (6-7) and Saints (6-7) are all tied atop the NFC South.
You never know which Falcons team shows up on a given week, but the winning one should against the NFL’s worst team.
Desmond Ridder actually had a decent performance in a loss to the Buccaneers last week with a breakout game from Drake London. Atlanta won the first matchup against the Panthers this season, and have had their fair share of woes since, but shouldn’t have a problem sweeping this toothless team.
Even with a loss last week, Atlanta’s offense is looking like it’s figuring out how to be successful. Carolina hasn’t shown anything that tells fans it’s progressing. Atlanta wins to get back to .500.
You can view the full list of USA TODAY’s NFL expert predictions here.
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