Panthers (2-2) at Falcons (0-4)
1 p.m. ET | FOX
Matchup rating: 37.9 | Spread: ATL -1.5 (54)
What to watch for: The Falcons desperately need a win with coach Dan Quinn's job status in limbo, but Quinn has preached to his team that the first NFC South game offers a chance for a new start. Although wide receiver Julio Jones' health situation remains unclear as he comes off a hamstring injury, the Falcons are on track to get some key players back in A.J. Terrell, Ricardo Allen and Takk McKinley. The sense of desperation should have the Falcons clicking better in the first home game with fans. -- Vaughn McClure
Bold prediction: The Panthers will leave Atlanta above .500. That is about as bold as it gets for a team that started the year 0-2, opened as a 2.5-point underdog to an 0-4 team and hasn't won at Atlanta since 2014. But the Panthers have momentum with two straight wins. -- David Newton
Stat to know: The Falcons are 0-4 for the first time since 1999, and a loss to Carolina would mark their first 0-5 start since 1997.
What to know for fantasy: Carolina running back Mike Davis is averaging seven receptions per game this season, not much different than the 7.3 grabs Christian McCaffrey averaged during his historic 2019. See Week 5 rankings.
Betting nugget: Panthers quarterback Teddy Bridgewater is 18-4 ATS and 11-11 outright in his career as an underdog. Read more.
Newton's pick: Panthers 30, Falcons 24
McClure's pick: Falcons 28, Panthers 21
FPI prediction: ATL, 55.0% (by an average of 1.8 points)
Matchup must-reads: From mentor to boss, Panthers' Matt Rhule quick to credit DC Phil Snow ... Falcons activate cornerback Terrell from COVID list ... Panthers are taking 'F-I-O' approach to being a factor in NFC South ... Injuries not an excuse, but are an explanation for Falcons' 0-4 start ... Bridgewater-Joe Brady combo could have Panthers competing in NFC
