Atlanta Falcons (6-7) vs. Carolina Panthers (1-12)
Atlanta Falcons vs. Carolina Panthers 12/17/23 – Atlanta Falcons (6-7 record), are set to face off with Carolina Panthers (1-12 record). The matchup, scheduled to take place at Bank of America Stadium and broadcast live by FOX, could prove pivotal as both teams attempt to keep playoff hopes alive while salvaging some pride of their own – so this matchup should not be taken lightly – fans and bettors alike may look for today’s free football picks to help navigate it successfully.
The Atlanta Falcons offense features promising rookie quarterback Desmond Ridder, who has shown flashes despite inconsistencies typical of a first-year player. His top weapon is rookie receiver Drake London, who leads the team with 745 receiving yards. Running back Bijan Robinson adds balance with 790 rushing yards. While this unit has scoring droughts, they have playmakers.
The Carolina Panthers offense is led by rookie quarterback Bryce Young, who has struggled behind a porous offensive line. Running back Chuba Hubbard leads the meager rushing attack, while receiver Adam Thielen is a bright spot through the air. Still, this unit ranks near the bottom of the league in most categories.
Atlanta Falcons vs. Carolina Panthers 12/17/23 Game Info
| When: | Sunday, December 17, 2023 at 1:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Bank of America Stadium |
| TV: | FOX |
| Stream: | NFL Game Pass |
Desmond Ridder QB vs. Bryce Young QB
Desmond Ridder has been up-and-down in his rookie campaign but shows promise as a dual-threat quarterback. He is still prone to mistakes, as evidenced by his 9 interceptions, but has athleticism to create plays outside the pocket. He has built chemistry with top target Drake London, though needs to improve his consistency going through progressions.
Bryce Young has struggled mightily behind the Panthers’ porous offensive line as a rookie. He has flashed arm talent but has not had time to push the ball downfield. Too often he is running for his life, leading to rushed decisions and turnovers. His development has surely been hindered by the situation around him.
NFL Odds/Point Spread: Atlanta Falcons -135, Total Odds: 36.5
The Falcons enter this matchup as favorites, albeit narrowly, which reflects their slightly better season performance compared to the Panthers. The point spread of -2.5 for Atlanta and the low total odds suggest a close, low-scoring game is anticipated by oddsmakers.
Atlanta Falcons Betting Trends
The Falcons are just 3-9 against the spread (ATS) in their last 12 games and have gone under the total in 13 of their last 19. However, they have performed well recently against Carolina, going 11-5 ATS and 12-4 straight up in the last 16 meetings. They also excel on the road versus Carolina historically, with the total going under in 5 of the last 7 road games in the series.
Carolina Panthers Betting Trends
The Panthers have been poor from a betting perspective, going 3-8 ATS in their last 11 games as they struggle to remain competitive each week. The total has gone under in 6 of their last 7 games as well, a trend that could continue given their ineffective offense and the low total this Sunday. In their last 7 home games against Atlanta, Carolina has seen the total go under 5 times.
Atlanta Falcons vs. Carolina Panthers 12/17/23 Betting Picks
Considering the overall performance and recent trends, the Falcons appear to be the safer bet, particularly given their historical edge over the Panthers. However, the Panthers’ strong trend towards low-scoring games suggests that the UNDER on the total points might be a wise bet.
In terms of picks, the Falcons are likely the better team to back, especially with their relatively stronger offense. Prop bets might include betting on individual performances, such as Robinson’s rushing yards or London’s receiving yards. The Falcons’ ability to cover the spread will be key, and their historical ATS record against Carolina provides some confidence.
For pro handicapper’s picks, the recommendation would be to lean towards the Falcons to win, but with a close scoreline, given the low total and both teams’ offensive struggles.
Free Pick and Prediction: Atlanta Falcons 19, Carolina Panthers 16