Atlanta at Carolina

The Atlanta Falcons were 13-3 last year, posting the best record in the NFC. But, this season find themselves fighting for their playoff lives after a loss to Houston last week. There are a few reasons for their newfound troubles. One, the Falcons had everything go right for them last year. They were a borderline playoff team that caught lightning in a bottle to have a big year. But, that luck ran out in their very first playoffs game, losing at home by 27. Next is the QB situation. Notice how you haven't heard the phrase "Matty Ice" much this season? It is because Matt Ryan has not been the same, already throwing 12 INTs compared to nine all of last season. Atlanta is a good, but not great team. Carolina was a horrific team last season. Cam Newton sure had a lot of doubters coming in from Auburn, but he has changed this offense from an unproductive 12 points per game to the No. 5 offense in the league. The Panthers opened the season 1-5, but have gone 3-3 since and they have won two straight playing as well as they have in over two years. The stigma from last year has worked like a charm this year as the Panthers are 7-4 ATS. Carolina is 25-9 ATS in their last 34 seeking revenge for a loss in which their opponent scored 28+ points. I like the Panthers' chances at getting revenge and as a result they are a live dog here.