Panthers vs. Falcons GAMEDAY Preview: Bryce Young, Bijan Robinson Debut

Rookie Bijan Robinson and the Atlanta Falcons will begin their football season against divisional rival Carolina Panthers and No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young.

After months of waiting, the NFL regular season is back, and Atlanta Falcons fans will watch their team face off against NFC South divisional rival, the Carolina Panthers. 

Both teams will be debuting heralded rookies who are expected to compete against one another for the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Trophy in Atlanta's running back Bijan Robinson and Carolina's quarterback Bryce Young.

Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder will be looking to avenge the loss Young served him back during their college days when Alabama defeated Cincinnati in the playoffs. 

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder and Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young will resume a rivalry dating back to their college football days at Alabama and Cincinnati :: Kareem Elgazzar/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK

A season ago, the NFC South was the most competitive division in football, and this year, it figures to continue that trend with all four franchises starting different quarterbacks in Week 1 than they did in 2022. 

Assuming that there isn't a tie, the winner of this game will be off to an early lead for the divisional crown and a playoff birth. Neither team has won the NFC South in over five years (Falcons 2016, Panthers 2015).

Unfortunately, each team will enter this game with players out due to injury. In Atlanta's case, that means offseason trade acquisition Jeff Okudah won't be suiting up today, but that injury is somewhat evened out by Carolina Panthers offseason addition D.J. Chark Jr. already being ruled out with a hamstring injury. 

This game should present plenty of fascinating offensive looks for Atlanta, though, especially if Cordarrelle Patterson (questionable) plays and demonstrates what it means to be listed as a JOKER on the depth chart. 

Regardless of the injuries each team is already facing as they enter Week 1, fans can rejoice knowing that for the first time in a long time, they can rely on quality football being played on Sundays for months to come.

WHAT: Carolina Panthers (0-0) at Atlanta Falcons (0-0)

WHERE: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia (74,295)

WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 10, 2022, 1 p.m. ET

TELEVISION: FOX / FuboTV (try it free)

RADIO: WZGC-FM 92.9 The Game

Tickets vis SI Tickets

Betting via SI SportsBook

SPREAD: Panthers +3.5 (-110), Falcons -3.5 (-110)

TOTAL: 39.5 (o -118, u -110)

MONEYLINE: Panthers +150, Falcons -188