ProFootballDoc: Injury Impact On Falcons-Panthers Game Tonight

Christian McCaffrey is not expected to play tonight as we have said all week at www.profootballdoc.com. "Coachspeak" got people excited about the possibility and even moved the line from Panthers -2.5 to the all-important -3 number, but it has since moved back.

In a game with not much significance, rooting for fantasy points or your wagers are the main reasons to watch this game, and injuries may play a hidden role in the outcome. At the injury information website available for free to OutKick readers, we even provide market timing advice. The game opened at -2.5 and we advised to get in then if you liked the Falcons, or to wait for CMC hopes to push the line up and pounce then.

Overall, the Panthers are the better team through seven games, posting three wins versus the Falcons' lone victory. However, Atlanta is also the healthier team as we reach the middle portions of the NFL season.

Takk McKinley is the main player out for the Falcons, whose depleted secondary has improved. Everyone on offense is playing, including all three wide receivers who have been injured recently.

The Panthers will miss left tackle Russell Okung with a calf injury and are still missing three defensive starters. Mike Davis has filled in well for McCaffrey but has regressed recently. 

The overall grades seem close but the trend is important too. The Falcons' health is on the upswing, and they seem to be the right side tonight, especially, if you market timed your wager and got the +3 without having to buy the half point.