Atlanta at Carolina

Atlanta has changed coaches, but are still the laughing stock of the league as the Falcons find new ways to lose every week. They couldn't even get it right after accidentally scoring a touchdown while losing to Detroit, which got the ball back with too much time on the clock. Matt Ryan finished 31 of 42 for 338 yards in yet another losing cause and the Falcons gained only 66 yards on the ground. Atlanta is second-to-last in the NFL in yards allowed (425.9) and passing yards allowed (333.4). Carolina won the first meeting 23-16 on Oct. 11 as a 2.5-point underdog, and the Panthers are slight favorites in this matchup. The Panthers had won three straight before suffering two tough losses to Chicago and New Orleans. Teddy Bridgewater has been better than expected this season and he went 23 of 28 for 254 yards against the Saints. RB Christian McCaffrey has returned to practice, but still is doubtful for this game. Mike Davis has filled in admirably in McCaffrey's absence, recording 517 yards with four touchdowns. Atlanta is 8-21 ATS its last 29 October games and 0-5 ATS playing on real grass. The home team is 11-5 ATS the last 16 meetings and Carolina has covered four of its last five games. Since it's a short line, play the Panthers on the money line.