predictions for todays game-mine is that the falcons

[falconidae]

roll, win big. With Davis and ,probably, Williams out, the panthers are too beat up to make it a fight. Falcons get up early, Delhomme throws a couple of picks and the game is over by halftime.

What's yours?

[Peyton]

I don't really have a good feel for this game this week. I want to think that last's weeks loss to New Orleans was devastating for them because they had the Saints on the ropes. One more loss and the Panthers are pretty much finished, and since I don't think the players think that Delhomme is capable of taking them on an 8 game winning streak, maybe the Panthers will roll over and play dead if the Falcons jump on them early this week.

Let's hope that's the way it unfolds anyway.

[HouseofEuphoria]

I didnt sleep too well last night thinking about this game and the conference scenarios surrounding it. We really need to pull out a win. A convincing win would go a long ways in solidifying our team and our playoff aspirations. But, i'll take win any way we can get it this week.

Falcons - 17

Panties - 13

[BCEagleATLFalcon]

There's always a chance that you're setting yourself up for MAJOR disappointment when you feel a big win on the horizon. But I do. This team knows that it needs to get (and stay) hot right now, in mid-November, as the second half of the season starts and play-off chances really start to shake out. This team knows it needs to bring more fire, grit, and all-around Falcons football to locales outside Atlanta. This team knows, this week more than ever, that Mike Smith will always have their backs. And, d*mn Matty, we ALL know that what we've seen the last few weeks just isn't you. You've still got "IT," and I expect to see IT today.

Falcons-35.

Panties-17.

[falcndave]

If i had to pick from my heart, I agree with the original poster.

I never bet on sports, but if I were forced to, I'd take the Panthers. Here are my worries.

1) Even if their main RB is limited, I feel they will run on us if they don't choose to get away from the run.

2) Jake and Ryan are statistically converging over the last few weeks. I like Ryan long term by a mile, but for one game, outdoors, on the road; I don't feel like we have a clear advantage there.

3) We are banged up at WR. I personally feel White will play and will be as effective as Ryan is.

4) Home record, 4-0. Road record. 1-3. (loses against NE, Dal, NO...all better than Car)

5) We left them with some hope in the first meetings. We should have rolled in that one, but we let them get back to within on possession. It points to the fact that I am currently putting Ryan in the "first half QB" category.

Here are the factors that I feel could prove me wrong.

1) The running game is rolling. If we get it going and ride it...checkmate!

2) The general feeling around the league is that the Falcons are a good team and Carolina is average. If that is the case, the good team should overcome the obstacles I listed above and dominate a weaker foe. In other words, I may find out the Falcons are a little better than I think they are as of this moment. If we are a 10 win team, we have to run over the Panthers to get there.

So, some will read this and slap the "not a real fan" label all over me. To them I say this: I LOVE this team, but I can see a few serious flaws. Long term we are a beast. Today, we have some flaws that make us a real long shot for the Superbowl.

[Peyton]

If i had to pick from my heart, I agree with the original poster.

I never bet on sports, but if I were forced to, I'd take the Panthers. Here are my worries.

1) Even if their main RB is limited, I feel they will run on us if they don't choose to get away from the run.

2) Jake and Ryan are statistically converging over the last few weeks. I like Ryan long term by a mile, but for one game, outdoors, on the road; I don't feel like we have a clear advantage there.

3) We are banged up at WR. I personally feel White will play and will be as effective as Ryan is.

4) Home record, 4-0. Road record. 1-3. (loses against NE, Dal, NO...all better than Car)

5) We left them with some hope in the first meetings. We should have rolled in that one, but we let them get back to within on possession. It points to the fact that I am currently putting Ryan in the "first half QB" category.

Here are the factors that I feel could prove me wrong.

1) The running game is rolling. If we get it going and ride it...checkmate!

2) The general feeling around the league is that the Falcons are a good team and Carolina is average. If that is the case, the good team should overcome the obstacles I listed above and dominate a weaker foe. In other words, I may find out the Falcons are a little better than I think they are as of this moment. If we are a 10 win team, we have to run over the Panthers to get there.

So, some will read this and slap the "not a real fan" label all over me. To them I say this: I LOVE this team, but I can see a few serious flaws. Long term we are a beast. Today, we have some flaws that make us a real long shot for the Superbowl.

Excellent post. The only thing I would add is that the Panthers desperately needed that win last week and they were in position to get it. Losing a game that would have put them right back in the picture like that can be psychologically devastating. With the loss of one of their best defensive players, it might be hard for the Panthers to get up for this one.

At least that is what I am hoping.

[HouseofEuphoria]

I may find out the Falcons are a little better than I think they are

We can all hope that everyone in the league thinks this after today! I would love for us to make this game a 'statement game' to the league that we are for real! Problem is, we are 'supposed' to beat the Panties...we would have to seriously blow them out to get any legitimacy from this game. Next week at the Giants might prove to be a better measuring stick for how good our team is at this point in the 'process'.

Good post, though Falcndave, you were realistic without taking any cheap shots or revealing any hidden agenda. Cant fault you for that.