Falcons' Bijan Robinson vs. Panthers' Bryce Young: Best Game of 2023 NFL Season?
The Atlanta Falcons jump straight into NFC South division play in one of the most anticipated games of the year vs. the Carolina Panthers in Week 1.
The game features two top-10 NFL Draft selections in Carolina quarterback Bryce Young and Falcons running back Bijan Robinson.
Sports Illustrated ranked the 10 best games of the 2023 NFL season and Atlanta vs. Carolina is the second-best game:
"The Falcons decided against trading up for an obvious franchise quarterback and opted to construct their team with a leading emphasis on other positions," SI writes. "The Panthers went the traditional route, knowing that they were bad enough to be in striking distance of a possible face-of-the-franchise-type player.
"Both teams will inevitably experience their growing pains. However, I would like to see what that individual attrition looks like. For example, is Bijan Robinson good enough to put Desmond Ridder in situations where he can more easily respond to difficulties? Or is Bryce Young so good that he can pull the Panthers out of a less-than-desirable situation?"
Quarterback Desmond Ridder and the Falcons are 3-point favorites in Atlanta. Last season, Carolina and Atlanta split their season series, with each team winning at home.
Atlanta hopes a strong rushing attack will help to win its opening game for the first time since 2017. A solid start against a division rival would go a long way in reaching the playoffs for the first time in six seasons.
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