Falcons vs. Panthers Predictions: Week 8 Thursday Night Football Picks

Brian Sausa, Last Updated: June 28th, 2024 - NJ Sports Betting - Free $3,250 For Sports Bets In New Jersey

Following a week off due to some scheduling changes, Thursday Night Football is back in Week 8 and we’re going to get everyone ready with some Falcons vs. Panthers predictions!

As the only game on television to begin each week, betting sites all over but especially online sportsbooks in NJ, CO, PA, and IN have seen massive interest in TNF betting picks. But before you hit enter on that bet, here are some against-the-spread trends and key stats to keep in mind:

• Panthers defeated Falcons by 23-16 score in Week 5 as underdogs
• Atlanta is 2-5 against the spread while Carolina is 4-3 ATS in 2020
• Carolina QB Teddy Bridgewater has completed 70+ percent of passes in five of seven games

Now it’s time to get to the odds and analysis before making our Week 8 TNF picks!

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Week 8 TNF Betting Picks: Falcons vs. Panthers Predictions

The Atlanta Falcons are visiting the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium as the two open up the Week 8 schedule with an NFC South battle on Thursday, October 29th at 8:20 PM EST.

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The Panthers opened up as 2.5-point favorites over the Falcons at most NJ and PA betting sites before Week 7 action. Following the weekend, the number has moved only slightly toward the home team with Carolina now -3 with the total set at 50.5 points, according to BetMGM NFL lines.

Week 8 Thursday Night Football Picks | Falcons vs. Panthers Predictions

These two teams met just a couple of weeks back with Atlanta being favored slightly at home. The result was a fifth-straight Falcons loss to begin the season and the firing of head coach Dan Quinn to go with, at the time, Carolina’s third consecutive win.

Fast forward to now, and we see that Atlanta has a win and its defense has played well two weeks in a row. If Quinn is the only major difference between Week 5 and Week 8, do we need to look at the Falcons a bit differently this time around?

We want to, but there’s a problem. This team finds new and interesting ways to lose almost every week, and Week 7 was no exception. This time, Atlanta scored a meaningless touchdown instead of running out the clock and kicking a game-winning field goal. The time on the clock was enough for Detroit to score a touchdown of their own, sealing an improbable come-from-behind win.

On the other side, Carolina continues to impress without star running back Christian McCaffrey, who may return for this game. Matt Rhule’s team has tightened up defensively and done enough on offense to cover in four of the past five games, including on the road in New Orleans in Week 7. Teddy Bridgewater is playing the quarterback position with efficiency and this team executed one of the great free-agent coups of the offseason with the addition of Robby Anderson, who pairs well with D.J. Moore.

The Panthers are a pretty flawed team but we aren’t sure the Falcons can even take advantage. Carolina ranks 28th in red-zone touchdown scoring percentage on offense, but Atlanta ranks 27th on defense in the same category. Carolina ranks 21st in defensive DVOA at Football Outsiders, yet Atlanta ranks 25th. Are we noticing a trend here?

So one team is playing far superior to the other, already has a head-to-head win, and gets to play at home on a short week? It feels almost too easy to give away three points or less with Carolina here. Especially once you throw in the travel and lack of practice time that comes into play with a Thursday game.

Don’t overthink it, and take the home team for your Falcons vs. Panthers predictions at three points or less. If you bet Atlanta, there’s a chance you don’t forgive yourselves for it. This way, you will be able to sleep Thursday night if nothing else.;

Week 8 TNF Picks: Carolina Panthers -3 (-110) – Make Week 8 TNF Picks At BetMGM!

Falcons vs. Vikings Best Bets: Week 8 TNF Picks

• Carolina Panthers -3 (-110)
• Panthers/Falcons Under 50.5 Points (-110)

Photo Credit: Associated Press

ABOUT Brian Sausa

Brian Sausa is BonusSeeker’s Copy Editor and lead sports betting pundit. A journalism graduate with an extensive sports background, Brian has been employed by multiple professional leagues including MLB, MiLB (Minor League Baseball), and the NHL. MLB, NHL, IBTimes, Brooklyn Cyclones, FanSided