Carolina Panthers vs Atlanta Falcons Prediction & Picks - NFL

Prediction published on 11/16/25, 9:57 AM  by Erik Gibbs | Modified on 11/16/25 at 4:35 PM in NFL Picks

The Carolina Panthers and Atlanta Falcons meet in a divisional matchup that feels heavier than a typical Week 11 clash, with both franchises searching for answers in very different ways. Carolina enters the weekend surrounded by growing noise about Bryce Young’s long-term future, and those whispers have grown loud enough to echo throughout the league. Young has flashed the talent that made him the No. 1 pick, but the ups and downs have been steep, and the offense too often slips into long stretches of stagnation.

As the Panthers try to build toward something stable, speculation continues to swirl about whether a seasoned veteran could better maximize the current roster. That narrative has only intensified after recent reports suggested Carolina might pursue external options in the offseason if Young doesn’t show more consistent command down the stretch.

Atlanta, meanwhile, is dealing with a very different kind of challenge: survival. The Falcons’ 3–6 start has been hampered by injuries, and this week brought more setbacks. Head coach Raheem Morris confirmed that linebacker DeAngelo Malone is heading to injured reserve with a broken ankle, a significant loss for a unit that leaned on his versatility and special-teams value.

The offensive line took a hit as well, with tackle Storm Norton suffering a relapse during his return window, ending his season prematurely. For a team already battling to stay afloat, these absences add more strain to a roster that needs every available piece during the second half of the campaign.