Carolina Panthers at Falcons early odds and prediction for Week 8

The Carolina Panthers go in search of their third NFC South divisional victory of the season against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 8.

After a shock upset win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 7, the Carolina Panthers could potentially move to top spot in the NFC South with another triumph this weekend at the Atlanta Falcons. That sounds strange to say following a turbulent start to the campaign, but it’s one of the weakest divisions in football and Steve Wilks‘ men are not out of it just yet.

To say their success versus the Bucs came out of the blue would be a huge understatement. The Panthers fired Matt Rhule and traded away both Robbie Anderson and Christian McCaffrey leading up to the contest, but a rousing effort in all three phases ensured they ran out comfortable victors to get themselves to 2-5.

Building on this momentum is the next task for Carolina and Wilks, who is looking to enhance his claims for the head coaching job long-term. Another win moves the Panthers to 3-0 in the division, which would represents a positive step in the right direction and a far cry from what transpired over the opening five weeks under Rhule.

Going on the road to Atlanta is a tricky proposition. The Falcons already boast three wins to their name – which is more than some expected from their entire slate – but this looks like a good opportunity for the Panthers get another win in the column all things considered.

Carolina Panthers at Falcons odds for Week 8

The Panthers are currently 4.5-point underdogs at the Falcons in Week 8 after opening at +6.5 with FanDuel Sportsbook. Anyone wishing bet Carolina on the money line can do so at +176 (bet $100 to win $176) currently, with Atlanta favored on home soil at -210 (bet $210 to win $100).

The current over/under for the contest is set at 41.5 points, which can be bet at -110 in both directions (bet $110 to win $100).

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.

Carolina Panthers at Falcons prediction for Week 8

The effort is never in question where Carolina is concerned. Finding consistency is their biggest issue and it remains to be seen whether or not this can improve with Wilks at the helm.

There is a growing belief in Wilks as a leading candidate for the job. The Panthers locker room is all fighting hard for their interim head coach, which could be enough to attain another positive result at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Providing the Panthers continue impressing on defense and allow P.J. Walker the same level of freedom to make plays we witnessed in Week 7, then they undoubtedly have a chance of a second-straight success.

This is a time for optimism despite some fans looking intently at the draft board. With that being said, we are cautiously taking the Panthers to win and perhaps even on the money line depending on which players overcome injury problems in time for the clash.

Of course, this could all go horribly wrong. But things are starting to look different under Wilks and another week of familiarity should make all the difference.