Projecting the Falcons statistical performance against the Panthers in Week 9

The return of the statistical projection is here after I took a week off against the Jets, a game I didn’t even want to try to predict after A) the Patriots debacle and B) seeing the weather forecast. For a road game against the Panthers, though? Let’s do it, even if you’re not going to like what I have here.

In a nutshell, I have the Falcons outplaying the Panthers for much of the day, but I also think the Falcons will have a turnover or two the Panthers will capitalize on. In what should be a tight game against a relentless defense, and the always dangerous if frequently unpredictable Cam Newton, the Falcons may lose this one. Not even Panthers fans are feeling all that confident about the outcome here, but I’m wary of a road game against a Panthers team that might have a few surprises after trading away Kelvin Benjamin. If the Panthers offense looks abysmal again and the Falcons show they can keep Matt Ryan safe, maybe this one becomes one of those hilarious, lopsided blowouts the Falcons have occasionally managed to hang on Carolina in recent years. I’m hopeful but not expecting it.

You’ll notice I have the Falcons losing very narrowly, in what I believe is the first predicted loss I’ve had this season for the Falcons, who are currently 4-3. Hopefully my typically powerful reverse jinx works well here, but I truly do believe Carolina will keep it close and may win. I’m sorry to even speak it, and I welcome your predictions to the contrary.

Offense: 23 points, 340 yards

Matt Ryan: 17/24, 230 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, 1 scramble, 10 yards

Devonta Freeman: 15 carries, 50 yards, 1 TD, 2 receptions, 15 yards

Tevin Coleman: 10 carries, 50 yards, 1 reception, 30 yards

Julio Jones: 4 receptions, 70 yards

Mohamed Sanu: 6 receptions, 50 yards

Austin Hooper: 1 reception, 10 yards, 1 TD

Justin Hardy: 2 receptions, 25 yards

Taylor Gabriel: 1 reception, 20 yards

Levine Toilolo: 1 reception, 10 yards

Defense: 24 points, 290 yards

Grady Jarrett: 1 sack

Vic Beasley: 1 sack

Deion Jones: 1 sack

Robert Alford: 1 interception

Special Teams

Matt Bryant: 3/4 FG, 2/2 XP

Matt Bosher: 3 punts, 45 yards per punt

Andre Roberts: 3 kickoff returns, 50 yards, 3 punt returns, 30 yards