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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Matt Urben, Deen Worley and Crissy Froyd

Falcons vs. Panthers: Staff picks and predictions for Week 18

The Atlanta Falcons are still somewhat alive in the NFC South race entering Sunday’s season finale against the Carolina Panthers, however, they’ll need some help to end their six-year playoff drought.

Not only do the Falcons need to defeat the Panthers, but the New Orleans Saints must pull off the upset over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for Atlanta to secure a division title in Week 18.

Both NFC South matchups will be played at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday. Check out our staff picks and predictions for Sunday’s season finale below:

Crissy Froyd (8-6):

The Falcons came up just short in last week’s 30-24 overtime loss to the Commanders. But, they’re up against a far more shaky opponent as they end the season with aspirations of making a postseason run. The Panthers have had tremendous ups and downs this season and currently have the NFL’s worst defense. They’ll also be dealing with some injury issues. The quarterback matchup between Michael Penix Jr. and Bryce Young will be fun to watch, but the Falcons come out with the win at home. | Falcons 31, Panthers 17

Deen Worley (8-7):

The Falcons didn’t get the result they wanted a week ago in Washington. A win would’ve given the team a chance to control their playoff destiny. However, now, it’s in the hands of chance and that chance is very low considering how easy the Buccaneers rolled last week and how poor the Saints are in the present. Falcons win fairly easily, but so do the Bucs, and Monday morning, the Falcons make a change at general manager. | Falcons 31 , Panthers 3

Matt Urben (8-7):

Atlanta has to win but I don’t expect this to be as lopsided as the team’s prior matchup against Carolina. The Panthers need to show some promise and I could see them getting out to an early lead on Sunday. Ultimately, I think the Falcons will pull away in the second half with another impressive performance by rookie Michael Penix Jr. | Falcons 28, Panthers 24

Is Darnell Mooney playing vs. Panthers?

Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney is considered a long shot to play in Sunday’s game, according to a report from NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. If Mooney is out, look for KhaDarel Hodge and Ray-Ray McCloud to step up in Week 18.

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