NFL - Carolina (1-4) at Atlanta (2-3)

Sky Sports 2, Sunday October 16th, 6pm

Cam Newton has been something of a revelation and is developing into a fine QB with a strong, accurate arm and a cool head that handles pressure in the pocket. Atlanta has problems rushing the passer and in the secondary, and I expect Newton to have another big game.  He has the weapons downfield and can mix it up with short passes over the top to his TEs (look for Olsen and Shockey) and handing it off to DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart – although significantly for the TD markets, Newton is still effectively the redzone back for the Panthers.

In contrast, Matt Ryan is struggling, even in the Georgia Dome. He’s got injury problems on the O line, where G Garrett Reynolds and C Todd McClure could be out and LT Sam Baker has struggled. The Falcons’ receivers are banged up - Julio Jones is out and Roddy White is carrying a dodgy hammy, and White’s problems catching are back. That said, the Carolina pass rush is not great (eight sacks on the year) and Ryan should have time if he wants to throw his usual bucket load of passes.

Atlanta should really attack on the ground, where the Panthers have struggled to stop teams. Rookie DTs Sione Fua and Terrell McClain are still learning and the Panthers have real problems at linebacker; this makes Michael Turner a big factor today.

There are holes in both defenses here and there should be points inside the dome.

Pick: Panthers +3.5 @ 1.91; -110; 10/11

Pick: First TD Cam Newton @ 9.0; 800; 8/1

Pick: Anytime TD Steve Smith @ 2.00; 100; Evens

Pick: Over 50 @ 1.91; -110; 10/11