3 bold predictions for the Panthers in Week 8 vs. the Falcons

After losing to the Saints, the Carolina Panthers will have an opportunity to turn things around on Thursday Night Football at home against the Falcons.

In between a tough stretch of opponents, the Carolina Panthers have an opportunity to get a win as a favorite against their division rivals, the Atlanta Falcons. Barring a schedule change late in the season, this is the only time they will be under the primetime lights this season.

Atlanta is coming off of yet another game where they gave up a lead and lost. This time, against the Detroit Lions. The Falcons are now 1-6 and 1-1 since head coach Dan Quinn and general manager Thomas Dimitroff were fired. This will be the second week in a row that Thursday Night Football features two divisional opponents with losing records.

Oh yeah, and Christian McCaffrey is back.

The team announced on Tuesday that McCaffrey was designated to return from the reserve/injured list. While the move means he is one step closer, there’s no guarantee he will see the field on Thursday night.

Mike Davis performed well against the Falcons two weeks ago in Atlanta so there’s no reason to rush McCaffrey back.

Speaking of backs, the defense will have to be better against Todd Gurley and the Falcons’ running game in order to avoid being upset at home in front of a national TV audience. Here are three big and bold predictions for the Panthers this week.