Predicting the Carolina Panthers 2021 season game by game

Carolina Panthers at Atlanta Falcons

• Week 8 (Sunday, October 31)
• 1 pm
• FOX

Considering how much offensive talent is on display for both teams, this one could turn into a shootout. That is exactly how the Atlanta Falcons want it due to their obvious concerns stopping teams, so it will be up to the Carolina Panthers to control the clock efficiently and make the most out of their red zone opportunities when they come.

Teddy Bridgewater might moan about the lack of practice reps when it comes to this critical area, but his decision-making is something that can’t be coached out of a player his age. Sam Darnold cannot afford to make the same sort of mistakes and he’ll have his work cut out for him if the Panthers cannot contain defensive tackle Grady Jarrett better than they did in 2020.

The cornerback trio of Donte Jackson, Jaycee Horn, and A.J. Bouye will also have a huge say in this one. Atlanta boasts a dynamic passing attack that might just have Julio Jones around despite recent trade speculation. So if the All-Pro is healthy alongside Calvin Ridley and first-round pick Kyle Pitts, it will take some stopping.

Prediction: Loss

There is normally little to separate the Panthers and Falcons in divisional matchups. Expect that to be the case again with the home side coming out on top by fine margins.