CAR
Carolina Panthers
71.8PFM Team Score#30 NFL
Carolina Panthers vs. Atlanta Falcons: PFM Team Comparison
PFM rates the Atlanta Falcons higher than the Carolina Panthers overall, with a clear advantage. The main reasons are fewer roster problems and the bigger big-play threat.
Current PFM Team Scores
Clear edgeATL
Atlanta Falcons
76.2PFM Team Score#22 NFL
WEEK 2 MATCHUP
Sunday, Sep. 20 1:00 PM ET
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PFM CALL
Locks September 20th at 1:00 PM EDT
Who wins Carolina Panthers vs. Atlanta Falcons?
Week 2 matchup
AwayCAR0-1
HomeATL0-1
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PFM JUDGMENT
Why PFM Rates the Atlanta Falcons Higher
Atlanta is closer to a workable supporting lineup, but the roster grade remains below the strength range. 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. PFM still has the Atlanta Falcons in front.
TEAM DNA COMPARISON
Carolina vs. Atlanta 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.
CARCarolina Panthers
ATLAtlanta Falcons
CAROLINA’S BEST PUSHBACK
QB Stability Is Carolina’s Only Close Fight
Bryce Young gives Carolina one place to push back. The Panthers are only 1.8 points behind Atlanta in QB Stability, but that is where Carolina's case ends. 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
CAR71.8
Carolina Panthers 71.8ATL76.2
Atlanta Falcons 76.2Overall NFL Rank
CAR#30
Carolina Panthers #30ATL#22
Atlanta Falcons #22QB Stability
CAR75.3
Carolina Panthers 75.3ATL77.1
Atlanta Falcons 77.1Roster Strength
CAR69.3
Carolina Panthers 69.3ATL77.1
Atlanta Falcons 77.1Coaching Direction
CAR70.6
Carolina Panthers 70.6ATL74.5
Atlanta Falcons 74.5Recent Performance
CAR71.2
Carolina Panthers 71.2ATL75.1
Atlanta Falcons 75.1Offense
CAR74.3
Carolina Panthers 74.3ATL77.2
Atlanta Falcons 77.2Defense
CAR73.7
Carolina Panthers 73.7ATL77.7
Atlanta Falcons 77.7Franchise Direction
CAR71.8
Carolina Panthers 71.8ATL75.4
Atlanta Falcons 75.4Explosiveness
CAR73.7
Carolina Panthers 73.7ATL79.7
Atlanta Falcons 79.7Conference Rank
CAR#16
Carolina Panthers #16ATL#12
Atlanta Falcons #12Division Rank
CAR#4
Carolina Panthers #4ATL#2
Atlanta Falcons #2Outlook
CARRebuilding or Major ConcernsATLIn the Playoff Mix
Stronger outlook: Atlanta FalconsSCHEDULE CONTEXT
Which Team Has the Tougher Road?
Carolina 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 AheadAtlanta 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 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