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The Atlanta Falcons’ backs are against the walls, as they need a win in the Week 17 regular season finale over the Carolina Panthers to guarantee a playoff berth. Both of these teams have been solid all year, and it should be a really interesting finale.
Carolina would love to win because the NFC South championship is still in play and a lot of the NFL eyes will be focused on this matchup. The Panthers have been the better team this season but the Falcons get the game at home, so this one should be a competitive showdown.
These two squads are built differently but they both have the talent to come away with a victory in this matchup.
This contest in Week 17 of the regular season will go down Sunday, December 31, 2017, at 4:25 p.m. ET at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Opening NFL Odds at BookMaker.eu
Carolina Panthers +3.5
Atlanta Falcons -3.5
Over/Under 46.5
Odds Analysis
The Falcons are more than field goal favorites, which means the oddsmakers have deemed their roster slightly more impressive, plus the standard three points for the home field. The Panthers are getting more than 59 percent of the action to cover, which isn’t a surprise since a loss by a field goal would still result in a cover.
The scoring total is higher than most games this week as both teams have explosive playmakers on offense, led by quarterbacks Cam Newton and Matt Ryan. The “under” is the more popular choice, though.
Injury Report
Trai Turner — The Panthers’ right guard has missed the last two games with a concussion, but is expected to return to practice this week. That’s a positive sign for the two-time Pro Bowler who reported signs of a concussion after Carolina’s win over Minnesota on December 10th.
Levine Toilolo — The Falcons’ tight end is dealing with a sprained knee that seems likely to keep him out of this matchup. He suffered the injury against the Saints and didn’t return to the game.
Andy Levitre — The Atlanta guard is dealing with a triceps injury which left him inactive last week against New Orleans. The Falcons are good on offense this year but have yet to hit the same level that they were riding on last year. Protecting Ryan is key and Levitre would love to get back for this one.
Playoff Scenario
The Falcons currently sit in the second wild card spot in the NFC. They can stay there and clinch their postseason berth with a win in this matchup.
Atlanta is the defending NFC champion and would love the chance to make a return trip to the Super Bowl. If the Falcons lose, they still have a chance to make the playoffs, however, they would be putting their fate into the hands of the Seahawks.
Seattle would need to lose to the Cardinals in order for the Falcons to qualify for the postseason in their scenario. The teams were originally scheduled to play at different times, but will now be played simultaneously so neither team will have an advantage.
Free ATS Pick
Atlanta is a scary team if it can make the playoffs, but that’s in doubt. The Panthers are certainly good enough to go on the road and win this game. Carolina has a strong offense and defense, and has been one of the best teams in the NFC this year.
Even so, the Falcons are a solid team as well. Atlanta is hoping to peak at the right time, and a critical win in this one will allow them to make a return trip to the playoffs. Take the Falcons to not only win this game but cover the spread as well. Take the “over” as the teams will both put up points.
NFL Odds: Falcons 27, Panthers 22
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