Clear edgeATL
Atlanta Falcons
76.2PFM Team Score#22 NFL
Atlanta Falcons vs. Carolina Panthers: PFM Team Comparison
The Atlanta Falcons hold a clear overall advantage over the Carolina Panthers in the current PFM ratings. Atlanta separates itself through fewer roster problems and the bigger big-play threat.
Current PFM Team Scores
CAR
Carolina Panthers
71.8PFM Team Score#30 NFL
WEEK 2 MATCHUP
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AwayCAR0-1
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PFM JUDGMENT
Why PFM Rates the Atlanta Falcons Higher
Roster depth favors the Atlanta Falcons only because Carolina has the deeper set of concerns. The Carolina Panthers are closest in qb stability, where the teams remain essentially even.
Atlanta also brings the bigger big-play threat. Atlanta adds the less uncertain coaching staff. The counterargument matters, but it does not erase Atlanta's clear overall advantage.
TEAM DNA COMPARISON
Atlanta vs. Carolina Across the Core Pillars
The farther a team reaches, the stronger the rating. Each category also calls out which team has the edge and the exact gap. Hover on desktop or tap on mobile to isolate one team.
ATLAtlanta Falcons
CARCarolina Panthers
CAROLINA’S BEST PUSHBACK
QB Stability Is Carolina’s Only Close Fight
Bryce Young gives Carolina one place to push back. Carolina sits only 1.8 points behind Atlanta in QB Stability, but close is not the same as an edge. Atlanta still has fewer roster problems and Kevin Stefanski leading the coaching staff, two advantages the Panthers cannot match in this comparison.
COMPLETE COMPARISON
Where Each Team Has the Edge
PFM Team Score
ATL76.2
Atlanta Falcons 76.2CAR71.8
Carolina Panthers 71.8Overall NFL Rank
ATL#22
Atlanta Falcons #22CAR#30
Carolina Panthers #30QB Stability
ATL77.1
Atlanta Falcons 77.1CAR75.3
Carolina Panthers 75.3Roster Strength
ATL77.1
Atlanta Falcons 77.1CAR69.3
Carolina Panthers 69.3Coaching Direction
ATL74.5
Atlanta Falcons 74.5CAR70.6
Carolina Panthers 70.6Recent Performance
ATL75.1
Atlanta Falcons 75.1CAR71.2
Carolina Panthers 71.2Offense
ATL77.2
Atlanta Falcons 77.2CAR74.3
Carolina Panthers 74.3Defense
ATL77.7
Atlanta Falcons 77.7CAR73.7
Carolina Panthers 73.7Franchise Direction
ATL75.4
Atlanta Falcons 75.4CAR71.8
Carolina Panthers 71.8Explosiveness
ATL79.7
Atlanta Falcons 79.7CAR73.7
Carolina Panthers 73.7Conference Rank
ATL#12
Atlanta Falcons #12CAR#16
Carolina Panthers #16Division Rank
ATL#2
Atlanta Falcons #2CAR#4
Carolina Panthers #4Outlook
ATLIn the Playoff MixCARRebuilding or Major Concerns
Stronger outlook: Atlanta FalconsSCHEDULE CONTEXT
Which Team Has the Tougher Road?
Atlanta Falcons
Remaining schedule rank: #23
Toughest stretch: Kansas City Chiefs, Minnesota Vikings, Detroit Lions
Strongest opponents: Kansas City Chiefs, San Francisco 49ers, Detroit Lions
Next five difficulty: 78.5
View Atlanta Falcons Road AheadCarolina Panthers
Remaining schedule rank: #19
Toughest stretch: Detroit Lions, Philadelphia Eagles, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Strongest opponents: Seattle Seahawks, Philadelphia Eagles, Detroit Lions
Next five difficulty: 79.6
View Carolina Panthers Road AheadCarolina has the tougher Road Ahead at No. 19. The strongest opponents include Seattle Seahawks, Philadelphia Eagles, and Detroit Lions. Atlanta also has the more favorable road, which adds to fewer roster problems and the bigger big-play threat.
Explore Both Team Dashboards
Ratings and Schedule Freshness
PFM ratings updated September 15, 2026. Schedule data updated September 14, 2026.
How to Read This Comparison
PFM Team Score determines the overall order. The Team DNA comparison puts five core pillars on the same 0–100 scale, while the full rows show every current category.
PFM compares overall team strength rather than predicting one matchup. Road Ahead adds schedule context without changing PFM Team Score.
PFM ratings updated
How PFM grades NFL teams