Falcons and Panthers Predictions

For Atlanta Falcons fans, the questions surrounding the passing abilities, or lack thereof, of quarterback Michael Vick are again prevalent as the new season comes into focus. He has been working on his passing drills, much as he did before last season, but this year there will be a new hurdle to jump as he has lost key receiver Brian Finneran for the entire season. It is hard to say how this will affect Vick’s performance on the field but one can’t think it would be a positive.

On the plus side for the Falcons, the injuries that had the defense on their heels much of the time against the run last year seem to have healed nicely. They allowed 4.7 yards per carry last season compared to 3.9 in 2004 but now they can at least believe they have a bit of their swagger back.

The running game should again be at or near the top of the league although teams may be able to better contain Vick now that he has one less receiver available. The books have the season win total set at 8.5 games for 2006. Considering that their non-division games include tilts against Philly, Dallas, Cincy, Pittsburgh and the Giants, Vick will have to work a lot of magic this year. The fact that the falcons refuse to let other teams have a go at Matt Schaub tells me one thing. They don’t trust Vick. Me either. Take the under, along with the public, and pay the -125 it’ll cost to make you some cash!

For the Carolina Panthers, the time is now. They only had one glaring deficiency last season in their drive to get to the Super Bowl and that was a lack of offensive options. Barring injury, they have fixed that problem by bringing in Keyshawn Johnson from the Cowboys to catch the balls that don’t get thrown to Steve Smith.

Last year, no other Panther receiver had more than 25 catches while Smith had 103, tops in the league. Keyshawn will change that as he has averaged 74 catches per year in his ten seasons. That alone should allow the offense a bit of breathing room, which could be all this team needs. With his great blocking skills downfield, however, Johnson also gives a boost to a running attack that, if not marred by injuries – an all too common occurrence with the Panthers over the past few years – could be one of the best in the NFL.

The defense has been steadily improving from not bad to fifth best in the league as of last season and there seems to reason to think they can’t be just as good, if not better, this season.

In 2003, this team was in the Super Bowl. Last year, they were very, very close to making it again. This year they have everything in place and the law of averages on their side. With so many devastating injuries depleting this team over the past couple years (well, last year, the bug bit during the playoffs) one can’t help but think this year, everyone should stay healthy. That mentality makes me lay down hard that this team will go over the posted total of 10 wins. Again, the public agrees, driving the price up to -125; still a bargain when you are winning!

For NFL NFC South Gambling Odds click here.

More NFL Prediction Articles

August 12th - 2006 - Saints & Bucs Predictions
August 12th - 2006 - Falcons & Panthers Predictions
August 3rd - 2006 - Eagles & Redskins Predictions
August 1st - 2006 - Bengals & Steelers Predictions
July 27th - 2006 - Browns & Ravens Predictions
July 24th - 2006 - Broncos & Chiefs Predictions
July 24th - 2006 - Raiders & Chargers Predictions

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