The Atlanta Falcons need a fast start. The confidence boost that would come from a 1-0 record, the long-term divisional advantage of having a 1-0 record to kick things off in the NFC South, and the perception value of knocking off a rival en route to the first 1-0 start since 2017 would be a big, big deal.
Standing in the way of those reasonable hopes and dreams? The Carolina Panthers, the team that lurks as perhaps the strongest 2024 and beyond threat for the Falcons, but a team likely to need time to find its way. The Panthers are hoping they have their long-term coaching staff and franchise quarterback, but the great re-tooling of a roster that (also) just finished 7-10 is still a work in progress.