Who will win between the Panthers and Falcons? Our Observer experts pick the score
Since the Carolina Panthers last won a game four weeks ago, they’ve put Christian McCaffrey on injured reserve, had a bye week, celebrated Thanksgiving and fired their offensive coordinator.
Cam Newton said he would like everyone to stop using the word “playoffs” around here, even as a possibility, and that makes sense. While Carolina is technically in the hunt, the Panthers would probably need to go 4-1 or 5-0 in their final five games to earn a postseason berth. A Carolina team that has lost seven of its past nine games has shown no indication of doing that.
Still, Atlanta is struggling just as much, and in fact the two teams have identical 5-7 records. On with the picks, where this week we have an even 2-2 split from our panel:
Jonathan Alexander, Panthers beat writer: Sure, the Falcons are a bad team, but the Panthers just looked lost on offense against Miami. Cam Newton couldn’t complete a pass, and the offensive line couldn’t protect him. And now they’ll transition without their offensive coordinator, Joe Brady, who was fired; their best player, McCaffrey, who was injured; and a couple of starters on the offensive line. Falcons 24, Panthers 17.
Ellis Williams, Panthers beat writer: Carolina’s defense showcases a bounce-back performance following the bye week while the offense runs effectively enough to win. Panthers 23, Falcons 13.
Matt Stephens, McClatchy Southeast senior sports editor: Expecting a little better ball control by the Panthers this week, feeding the running backs after the bye. There’s no McCaffrey, but Chuba Hubbard and Ameer Abdullah complement each other well and should give the defense plenty of time to rest. Panthers 23, Falcons 14.
Scott Fowler, sports columnist: Since the last Atlanta game Oct. 31, the Panthers have had to switch out their center and both of their offensive guards. With that sort of makeshift offensive line, Carolina isn’t going to rush for 203 yards again.
Newton will have to throw the ball well to win this game, but will he have time to do it? Matt Ryan usually doesn’t play poorly twice in a row vs. Carolina. Falcons 20, Panthers 13.
