Carolina at Atlanta

Carolina upgraded the offense with QB Bryce Young from Alabama and the defense has talent to put pressure on opposing quarterbacks. The defense took a step back last year but was No. 2 in the NFL in yards allowed two years ago. The Panthers are 141-109 ATS as an underdog. Atlanta is favored but is a young team trying to plug holes everywhere. The Falcons go with run-oriented QB Desmond Ridder, who has 73 NFL passes. The defense has been awful for a while ranked 26th in total yards allowed last season with no pass rush while ranked 31st on third down (45.9%). NFL favorites like the Falcons that come off a losing campaign are 139-218 ATS in conference games. In addition, NFL chalk like Atlanta which failed to make the playoffs while losing their final two games are 6-29 ATS in the first month of the new season. Play Carolina.