CHARLOTTE (BLACK & BLUE KICKOFF LIVE) — The Panthers are in Bank of America Stadium for the first time in 2025 against NFC South rival Atlanta Falcons.
The Falcons are 1-1 and are in second in the division behind the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
An emphasis for the Panthers in this matchup should be to stop the run. The Falcons’ best player, second-year running back Bijan Robinson, has the fifth-most rushing yards so far in this early season. Robinson is a very explosive player and can break free on any play.
The Panthers’ defense so far has been bottom-10 in opposing rush yards. Week 3 would be a good time to get that in check if they want to start 1-0 at home.
Carolina will have a tough go of it on offense, too. The Falcons really focused on building their defense in the offseason through the draft and free agency. Atlanta, through two weeks, has allowed the fewest passing yards of any team in the NFL.
The passing offense could face some difficulties in the early going. Shortly after the team’s Week 2 loss to the Cardinals, head coach Dave Canales said that offensive linemen Roebrt Hunt and Austin Corbett were placed on injured reserve.
Machup notes
🏈 The Panthers are 22-37 all-time against the Falcons.
🏈 Carolina won the last matchup in an OT thriller in Week 18, 44-38.
🏈 The two teams have split the season series every year since 2019. In those five seasons, the Panthers are 2-3 at home.
🏈 Betting lines (according to FanDuel): Panthers +4.5 (-108) and +188 moneyline; over/under at 43.5.
Sunday’s home opener in Week 3 against the Atlanta Falcons starts at 1 p.m. on Queen City News.
