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Carolina Panthers vs. Atlanta Falcons: Preview, Predictions and Picks for January 5, 2025

Updated on:
Jan 5, 2025 2:54 PM
On Sunday, January 5, 2025, at 1:00 PM, the Atlanta Falcons will host the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in a crucial matchup that could make or break their fading playoff hopes. With a 4-4 home record, the Falcons will rely on rookie QB Penix to lead the charge against the Panthers, who are struggling on the road with a 1-6 record. The Falcons' 7-4 conference record gives them an edge, but they can't afford to take the 4-12 Panthers lightly.
Carolina Panthers vs Atlanta Falcons

Current Odds

CAR
ATL
Over
70.5
-115
Under
76.5
-120
CAR
+2.5
-110
ATL
+5.5
+102
CAR
ML
+105
ATL
ML
+250

Panthers vs Falcons statistics

Stat Panthers Falcons
Points Per Game 18.6 21.9
Total Yards 304.0 372.7
Yards Passing 196.3 248.2
Yards Rushing 107.7 124.5
Points Allowed Per Game 31.0 23.7
Yards Allowed 410.1 351.9
Pass Yards Allowed 233.2 233.4
Rush Yards Allowed 176.9 118.5

Atlanta Falcons recent games

Game Date Opponent Result Score
12/29/24 @ Washington Commanders L 30-24 OT
12/22/24 vs New York Giants W 34-7
12/16/24 @ Las Vegas Raiders W 15-9
12/8/24 @ Minnesota Vikings L 42-21
12/1/24 vs Los Angeles Chargers L 17-13

Carolina Panthers recent games

Game Date Opponent Result Score
12/29/24 @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers L 48-14
12/22/24 vs Arizona Cardinals W 36-30 OT
12/15/24 vs Dallas Cowboys L 30-14
12/8/24 @ Philadelphia Eagles L 22-16
12/1/24 vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers L 26-23 OT

Atlanta Falcons injuries

  • Darnell Mooney (WR): Questionable
  • Brandon Dorlus (DT): Questionable
  • JD Bertrand (LB): Questionable
  • Antonio Hamilton Sr. (CB): Injured Reserve
  • Younghoe Koo (PK): Injured Reserve

Carolina Panthers injuries

  • Amare Barno (LB): Injured Reserve
  • Miles Sanders (RB): Questionable
  • A'Shawn Robinson (DE): Questionable
  • Lonnie Johnson Jr. (CB): Out
  • DJ Johnson (LB): Out

Panthers vs Falcons game info

Type Info
Venue Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Location Atlanta, GA
Kickoff Sun 1:00 PM
TV CBS
Temperature 44°
Chance of Rain 49%

Panthers vs Falcons predictions

With the Carolina Panthers traveling to face the Atlanta Falcons, all eyes are on rookie quarterback Bryce Young as he aims to make his mark against a divisional rival. Young, with a projected 194.7 passing yards and a touchdown, is poised to shoulder the offensive load. Keep an eye on Adam Thielen, whose steady hands and experience could offer a safety net for Young – his potential 62.1 receiving yards underline his importance. Running back Miles Sanders might not blow up the stat sheet, but with 45.2 rushing yards in the cards, he could quietly edge the Panthers toward some scoring opportunities. Whether these pieces will come together to spark a road win remains to be seen, but the talent is certainly there.

Swinging over to the Atlanta Falcons, the focus is on rookie QB Michael Penix, who could well be the main attraction at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Expected to throw for around 224.4 yards with a couple of touchdowns against a less-than-stellar Panthers defense, Penix has a real chance to shine. Bijan Robinson, with a bullish 102.4 rushing-yard expectation, presents another formidable weapon in Atlanta's arsenal. His dual-threat ability as both a rusher and a receiver allows for plenty of flexibility. Let's not forget wide receiver Drake London who might be waltzing through the secondary for 66.4 yards. This trio is riding high on enthusiasm and potential, looking to cause some headaches for Carolina’s defense.

When it comes down to picking a winner, the advantage seems to lean toward the Atlanta Falcons, especially given their standing at 8-8 compared to Carolina’s 4-12. Playing at home with a shot at keeping their playoff hopes alive, the Falcons are motivated more than ever to capitalize on their remaining games. While the Panthers may put up a spirited fight, especially with their young guns eager to prove themselves, the Falcons' superior record and in-form rookies might just tip the scales in their favor. So, if you're the betting type, Atlanta seems like a pretty safe wager this weekend. What do you think?

Atlanta Falcons

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