NFL Parlay Pick - Falcons vs. Panthers and Bengals vs. Steelers

NFL Parlay Pick: Carolina to Surprise Atlanta and the Bengals versus the Steelers

Game-day: 11/14/2009

The Carolina Panthers were oh so close last Sunday to beating the New Orleans Saints and ending the Saints' unbeaten streak, but a fumble by DeAngelo Williams, who was awesome in the game up to that point, led to a Saints defensive touchdown and another loss for last season’s NFC South champs. The Panthers host the Atlanta Falcons this Sunday in a game that they absolutely could win.

The Cincinnati Bengals proved that their victory over the Baltimore Ravens in Week 5 wasn’t a fluke last Sunday when they beat the Ravens again and completed the sweep. Now, the Bengals face the team that many predict will eventually win the NFC North, the defending Super Bowl Champion Pittsburgh Steelers.

Let’s analyze both games.

Atlanta Falcons vs. Carolina Panthers

Kick-off: 1:00 pm EST

NFL Odds: Carolina +1 ½ -110, over/under 43 ½

Analysis: I’m a Saints fan but I’m also an objective gambler and I have to admit that being an objective gambler, and seeing how well Carolina was playing, it hurt my heart when DeAngelo Williams fumbled the ball near the goal line.

I consider myself a sportsman and the Panthers simply played too well to lose last Sunday. So, because of that, I expect them to take out their frustrations on the Atlanta Falcons whom they almost upset in Week 2 when losing 28 to 20. The Panthers fought the Falcons all the way in that game and save for a couple of defensive breakdowns in the second half, looked to be the winners.

Atlanta got over their two game losing streak, where they dropped games to the Dallas Cowboys (37-21) and the New Orleans Saints (35-27), by thumping the Washington Redskins 31 to 17.

The problem for the Falcons is that their defense allows, on average, 124 rushing yards per game. The Panthers rush for 153 yards per game.

With DeAngelo Williams running all over the Falcon’s defense, there’s just no chance that I can take Atlanta in this game. Matt Ryan and Michael Turner will keep the Falcons close, but at the end, the Panthers have the better rushing team and are at home.

Also, Panthers’ QB Jake Delhomme hasn’t thrown an interception in two straight games. I gotta go with the Panthers and the points even though the Falcons are 5 and 3 ATS on the season while the Panthers are 3 and 5 against the spread in 2009.

Pick: Carolina Panthers at +1 ½

Cincinnati Bengals vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

Kick-off: 1:00 pm EST

NFL Odds: Cincinnati +7 -110, +250 NFL moneyline, over/under 42

Analysis: There’s still no love going to the 6 and 2 Bengals who have the 2 nd ranked rush defense in the NFL. The Bengals’ D allows only 83 yards on the ground per game and 17 points per game.

On offense, the Cincinnati Bengals are a terrific rushing team with 130 yards per game on the ground. Through the air, QB Carson Palmer isn’t that bad either averaging 219 yards per game.

Why then, are the Bengals such a big underdog in this game? Because even though the Bengals won their 1 st matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers, 23 to 20, Pitt outgained the Bengals 378 yards to 273 and the Steelers kept the ball for 35 minutes as opposed to the Bengals who had the pigskin for 25 minutes in that game.