Today, the Falcons get a chance to win their first divisional game of 2021 after dropping a Week 2 matchup against the Buccaneers. They’ll do so against the imploding Carolina Panthers, who have lost four straight and are coming off an awkward “let’s see what happens if we bench Sam Darnold” effort against the Giants.

For Atlanta to win, they’ll need to harass Darnold and clamp down on his handful of capable weapons. Offensively, they just have to keep doing what they’ve done so well over the last three weeks or so and protect Matt Ryan, have him connect with the likes of Kyle Pitts and Calvin Ridley and keep the chains moving with Cordarrelle Patterson and Mike Davis. The Panthers defense is a tough matchup, but I’m feeling real confidence that this Falcons offense is for real, so hopefully they don’t allow Carolina’s offense to go off.

Here’s what you’ll need to know to watch the game later today. Go Falcons!

Atlanta Falcons vs. Carolina Panthers, Week 8

When: Sunday, October 31 at 1:00 p.m. EST

Where: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia

Channel: FOX

Announcers: Kevin Kugler, Mark Sanchez, Laura Okmin

Streaming: NFL Sunday Ticket nationally

Radio: 92.9 The Game

Key Questions: Is this struggling Panthers team going to continue to scuffle, or will they find the Falcons defense to be easy to feast on? Will A.J. Terrell be healthy and playing to help this team shut down D.J. Moore? Will Kyle Pitts go for 100 yards or 150 yards?

Odds: The Falcons are 2.5 point favorites over the Panthers, according to DraftKings sportsbook.

2021 Falcons regular season schedule (3-3)

Week 1, Loss: vs. Philadelphia Eagles

Week 2: Loss @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Week 3: Win @ New York Giants

Week 4: Loss vs. Washington Football Team

Week 5: Win vs. New York Jets,

Week 6: BYE WEEK

Week 7: Win @ Miami Dolphins, 1 p.m., Sunday, October 24

Week 8: vs. Carolina Panthers, 1 p.m., Sunday, October 31

Week 9: @ New Orleans Saints, 1 p.m., Sunday, November 7

Week 10: @ Dallas Cowboys, 1 p.m., Sunday, November 14

Week 11: vs. New England Patriots, 8:20 p.m., Thursday, November 18

Week 12: @ Jacksonville Jaguars, 1 p.m., Sunday, November 28

Week 13: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 1 p.m., Sunday, December 5

Week 14: @ Carolina Panthers, 1 p.m., Sunday, December 12

Week 15: @ San Francisco 49ers, 4:05 p.m., Sunday, December 19

Week 16: vs. Detroit Lions, 1 p.m., Sunday, December 26

Week 17: @ Buffalo Bills, 1 p.m., Sunday, January 3

Week 18: vs. New Orleans Saints, 1 p.m., Sunday, January 9

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Odds/lines subject to change. Terms and conditions apply. See draftkings.com/sportsbook for details.