How did we do in our string of predictions for Thursday night’s matchup between the Carolina Panthers and Atlanta Falcons?
Let’s take a look at how the Week 10 win unraveled.
1
PJ Walker throws for under 170 passing yards: Correct
Prop: O/U 170.5 passing yards for Walker
Walker just threw for a career-high 317 yards against Atlanta in Week 8. Heck, he even got up to 177 the Sunday prior while facing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
But with a rainy and windy forecast ahead, he may be kept on a leash—especially after last week’s debacle in Cincinnati.
Result: Walker passed for 108 yards, his third-lowest mark in a start this season.
2
. . . and completes fewer than 15 passes: Correct
Prop: O/U 15.5 completions for Walker
Walker barely hit 15 in those aforementioned matchups—going for 16 on Tampa Bay and 19 on Atlanta. Again, don’t expect a pass-heavy approach in tonight’s conditions.
Result: Walker completed 10 of his 16 passing attempts.
3
. . . and at least one touchdown: Incorrect
Prop: O/U 0.5 passing touchdowns for Walker
Fine, we’ll give him one.
Result: He kinda had one, as he set up wide receiver Laviska Shenault Jr. for his 41-yard touchdown. But, being that it was a backwards pass, Walker’s feed registered as handoff. Otherwise, no touchdowns for PJ.
4
. . . and at least one interception: Incorrect
Prop: O/U 0.5 interception for Walker
Like we said, it could get a little sloppy for Walker—who has three picks over the last two games.
Result: Walker protected the rock and threw zero interceptions.
5
D'Onta Foreman rushes for more than 54 yards: Correct
Prop: O/U 54.5 rushing yards for Foreman
Foreman ripped the Falcons up in Week 8, tying a season-high in rushing yards (118) and setting a new career-high in rushing touchdowns (three). Backfield mate Chuba Hubbard may be back in the fold, but expect a healthy workload for the bruising runner.
Result: Foreman rushed for a season-high 130 yards (just two off his career-high) and a touchdown off 31 carries.
6
DJ Moore records at least five receptions: Incorrect
Prop: O/U 4.5 receptions for Moore
Moore has notched four receptions in just four game this season. But if this is going to be a messy one, look for offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo to manufacture touches for his best player.
Result: Moore reeled in four catches. He now has seven games of four receptions or fewer in 2022.
7
. . . and at least 59 receiving yards: Incorrect
Prop: O/U 58.5 receiving yards for Moore
The fifth-year pass catcher went for a season-high 152 receiving yards against the Falcons two days ago. And even though 62 of them came on that ridiculous game-tying catch at the end of regulation, Atlanta is still without top cornerback A.J. Terrell.
Result: Moore recorded just 29 receiving yards, his fourth-lowest mark of the season.
8
Terrace Marshall Jr. records at least three receptions: Incorrect
Prop: O/U 2.5 receptions for Marshall Jr.
The second-year receiver is in the middle of a breakout stretch, having chalked up 171 yards and a touchdown off nine receptions in the past three weeks. Carolina needs to keep feeding the kid, especially against the worst pass defense in football.
Result: Marshall Jr. recorded just one catch off two targets.
9
. . . and at least 36 receiving yards: Correct
Prop: O/U 35.5 receiving yards for Marshall Jr.
We’re buying into the breakout.
Result: But, boy, was it ever a catch. Marshall Jr. took his lone reception for a 43-yard gain.
10
Panthers lose, don't cover: Incorrect
Spread: Panthers +2.5
If this is a game of runs, the Falcons certainly have the upper hand. Not only do they boast a potent three-headed backfield of Cordarrelle Patterson, Tyler Allgeier and Caleb Huntley—but the Panthers are fresh off allowing a 241- rushing output to the Bengals.
Result: Well, the Panthers won the game of runs and the game itself. They outgained Atlanta 232 yards to 138 on the ground and 25 points to 15 on the scoreboard.
