Carolina Panthers @ Atlanta
It's a shame Carolina Panthers @ Atlanta Falcons isn't being played late Sunday instead of late Saturday. If it were twenty-four hours later, we would know for sure what the Falcons have left to play for in the remaining weeks of the regular season. In reality the likelihood is Atlanta will be the number two seed in the NFC. Philadelphia are unlikely to suffer a late season collapse, while the nearest challenger Green Bay finish with two tough road games against divisional opponents, and so are unlikely to be seeded any higher than three. For the Panthers, it is a totally different story. They need to win, and keep winning to be sure of clinching one of the most unlikely wildcards. Carolina started the first half of the season 1-7, suffered injuries to a number of key players, jet after winning five straight are now very much in contention for the play-offs. In recent seasons, the Falcons have owned this matchup, especially with Michael Vick in the lineup. However, now Atlanta are in the play-offs and probably with at least one home postseason game, the big question is can the Falcons match the intensity of the Panthers. Yes this is a divisional game, but is Michael Vick going to risk injury in what amounts to a meaningless game. The last thing anyone wants to see in Atlanta between now and the start of the play-offs is further injured players. Already out this week are Duckett and Griffith, two key players from the offence. Whether the Falcons treat this game like any other or not, the visitors would have a serious chance of continuing their fine run. Admittedly the Panthers caught a break with their schedule in the second half of the year - nevertheless, the way the team has overcome injuries is quite remarkable.With Atlanta safely in the play-offs, expect the Panthers to come away with a first win against a Falcons team led by Michael Vick. The handicappers are giving Carolina a field goal start, but I would far prefer taking them outright at 31/20 with VCBET.Before the NFC South match-up happens, there are two other games for NFL fans to enjoy on Saturday night. First up is Pittsburgh Steelers at New York Giants, followed by Washington Redskins at San Francisco 49ers. The Steelers are a massive ten point favourite for their game. While this handicap is very much justified because of how bad the Giants have played recently, it is worth noting that Pittsburgh have only once (Jets last week by 11) won by more than ten points in the last five weeks.As for the other game, the Redskins should be too good for the 49ers. That said the Washington defence had a very physical game against the Eagles last week, and it will be interesting if they can match that intensity against a far less talented offence.Claim your free bets on the Carolina Panthers @ Atlanta Falcons game with Bet365