Carolina Panthers prediction for Week 2 at Atlanta
Carolina Panthers Week 2 preview and prediction at the Atlanta Falcons…
The Carolina Panthers managed to survive last week after dominating much of the game against Dallas but ultimately needed a late strip-sack of quarterback Dak Prescott to secure the victory. Unfortunately, Carolina suffered numerous injuries in the win with two key contributors now sidelined moving forward.
Tight end Greg Olsen injured the same foot which caused him to miss nine games last season and right tackle Daryl Williams suffered another knee injury, although it wasn’t related to his previous condition. Both are expected to miss a significant amount of time.
Atlanta kicked off the season at defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia in a sloppy game that also came down to the wire. Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan couldn’t connect with receiver Julio Jones late in the end zone and Atlanta fell, 18-12.
2018 SEASON: CAROLINA PANTHERS (1-0) at ATLANTA FALCONS (0-1)
KICKOFF: Sunday, September 16 at 1:00 PM ET
TV: FOX Broadcast Coverage Map
ONLINE: FuboTV Watch over 67 live sports and entertainment channels with a 7-day FREE trial!
LOCATION: Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta, GA)
WEATHER: Indoor
LAST MEETING: 22-10, FALCONS – December 31, 2017 (WEEK 17)
WHAT TO WATCH:
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Jones is arguably the best receiver in football but after dominating Carolina with 12 catches, 300 yards and a score during their first meeting of 2016, the Panthers have kept him out of the end zone. In three games since, Jones has caught 15 balls for 258 yards.
Carolina isn’t going to stop Jones but they do need to keep him contained. How new defensive coordinator Eric Washington elects to handle how he lines up and if rookie corner Donte Jackson is up to the task of covering an elite receiver one-on-one are undoubtedly questions being asked as both teams prepare for their first meeting of the season.
The Panthers should benefit from their defensive front continually putting pressure on Atlanta. The group reached Prescott six times last week and Philadelphia brought Ryan down four times, so the potential for another big day will be present.
Next. NFC South Preview - Week 2. dark
On the road against a divisional rival, neither team will be at full strength as these games always seem to carry a bit more meaning. The Panthers put up a fight but haven’t won in Atlanta since 2014 and this year that doesn’t change.
PREDICTION: Carolina Panthers – 17, Atlanta Falcons – 24