Taylor Bicht
2 min read • November 09, 2022
Posted in
This NFC South matchup features two relatively healthy teams that produced a shootout in their Week 8 showdown.
The Falcons' secondary has been hampered by secondary injuries for the last few weeks including the nagging hamstring of top cornerback AJ Terrell. The Panthers on the other hand lost their strongest runner through trade but have replaced him with dominant force D’Onta Foreman.
The Atlanta Football team has played up and down all season sporting a 4-5 record, losing last week to the Chargers on the final play of the game. They must learn and forget in a shorter around with the match on Thursday.
The turnaround affects the most important part of their defense with all-star A.J. Terrell likely to miss his third straight game due to a lingering soft tissue injury. The CB room is already down veteran Casey Hayward who is recovering from a shoulder issue that has cost him the last three games.
Help has come at the trade deadline in the form of Rashad Fenton, who should be another week healthier after missing time due to a hamstring issue.
On offense their OL will endure a slight dance move with C/fill-in LG Matt Hennessy being placed on IR due to a knee injury. This will force the Falcons to field a 4th string LG while losing depth at C. This type of trickle effect can be costly, especially on a short week meaning the Falcons will likely look out of sorts on offense.
Cordarrelle Patterson will play in his second straight game since returning from a knee issue that cost him time on IR. In his first game back, Patterson rushed for 44 yards and a TD.
The land dominant Panthers have won just twice this year and fired their coach with the hope of landing a top 5 pick. CMC is gone but the team has run the ball well since D’Onta Foreman took over the backfield.
Partner in crime Chuba Hubbard is listed as questionable due to a bothersome ankle issue but with two straight FPs, expect him to play on Thursday.
Another issue to monitor on offense is the health of superstar RT Taylor Moton. The hulking tackle is nursing an elbow injury but his FP on practice likely signifies he will push through.
On defense the biggest issue is the health of oft-injured cornerback Donte Jackson. Jackson was active last week but did not play as his ankle was deemed unfit pre-game. He was able to practice in full all week and should play but will like not at 100% effective.
Injury-Based Pick
Marcus Mariota O30.5 Rushing Yards
The Raiders legend will play behind a banged up OL that will deal with loss and last minute shuffling before the Thursday matchup. Expect the mobile QB to run all over the Panthers as he will be scrambling for his life due to the OL issues.
The Falcons are favored by 3 points on the road in Carolina and the over/under is 42.5, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.
Through Week 9, our staff is 57% on player props and 58% on live bets.
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Written by Taylor Bicht
