Week 6 NFL Lines And Odds: Atlanta Falcons Vs. Carolina Panthers

In a sign of how quickly things can change in the NFL, the Atlanta Falcons, a year after a dominating 13-3 season, opened the week as only -5.5 home favorites against the Carolina Panthers, widely projected to be one of the NFL's worst teams.

But with Atlanta already matching the number of losses they had all last year and Carolina's Cam Newton the talk of the NFL, the line has moved even closer to the Panthers as the week has progressed. The Falcons are currently favored by on only four points.

The over/under is at 51, as both teams have shown themselves capable of scoring and giving up points in bunches. Atlanta has the league's 28th rated pass defense, a huge concern going against the aerial show Newton, who averages over 300 yards of passing a game, has put on this year.

The Panthers defense has already given up 132 points this season, tied for fifth worst in the NFL, which should present an opportunity for Atlanta's corps of offensive stars -- QB Matt Ryan, RB Michael Turner and WR Roddy White -- to recapture their magic from last season.

For more on the opening lines, head over to Odds Shark. Be sure to check out the Falcons coverage at The Falcoholic, and the Panthers at Cat Scratch Reader.