Atlanta Falcons bold predictions for Week 15 vs. Panthers

Since Kyle Pitts arrived in Atlanta, nowhere has the electric style of play we saw out of him at Florida been seen yet. But that’s not all on him. Pitts, however, has seen his production get a little bump over the last two games. He’s had seven receptions for 108 yards and a touchdown. Against the Panthers, he could have another promising game awaiting.

The Falcons allow the Panthers to score their most points since Week 6

Since Week 6 when they scored 21 points, the Panthers have averaged just under 12 points a game. Last week, they didn’t score a single touchdown, only two field goals. The thing is with this Falcons team, you never know which team is going to show up.

The Panthers can essentially lay it all on the line here, bringing out any tricks they want because they have nothing left to play for except to play spoilers. Don’t expect an offensive onslaught by any means, but don’t be surprised if this team gets to at least 20 points or close to it against Atlanta. The Falcons are down some key starters defensively, particularly on the line.

Desmond Ridder… again

I say this with every Falcons bold prediction piece: Desmond Ridder will always be a point of emphasis… always. And that’s merely because as Ridder goes, essentially that’s how the Falcons go. We’ve seen this team countless times just become non-existent as an offense because it either can’t move the ball or Ridder turns the ball over in the middle of a promising drive.

Ridder, of course, had two turnovers in last week’s game against the Buccaneers. Should we expect anything less against the Panthers? I would expect at least one turnover, whether it’s a pick or a fumble.

The Falcons win… probably… maybe

Usually every time I pick this team to win, they fail me. Every. Time. But here I go again, picking them anyway, with my thoughts being that they can’t possibly let another win slip past them facing a hapless team like the Panthers, right?

Maybe this week Younghoe Koo, who has pulled the Falcons out of jams many times by putting the team on the board, will not falter like he did last week, missing two kicks that cost them later. Before last week, he had only missed one field goal all season. With the often inept offense, he is a pivotal part of the Falcons’ scoring.

If the Falcons can’t win this one, though, is Arthur Smith’s job really that safe?