Game story
In Week 1 of the 2023 NFL season on 2023-09-10, the Atlanta Falcons took care of business against the Carolina Panthers, pulling away with a 24–10 final that built a comfortable lead.
The highest-scoring period was Q2 with 14 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
B. Young (Carolina Panthers) paced the passing game, with -10.76 total EPA, and -5.5% completion percentage over expected.
On the individual side, K. Pitts (Atlanta Falcons) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +2.78 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (-17.1% win probability) landed in the third quarter when Carolina Panthers changed the game: (6:48) (Shotgun) 9-B.Young pass short middle intended for 88-T.Marshall INTERCEPTED by 3-J.Bates at ATL 49. 3-J.Bates to ATL 49 for no gain (88-T.Marshall). PENALTY on CAR-80-I.Thomas, Unnecessary Rou
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carolina Panthers | 7 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 10 |
| Atlanta Falcons | 7 | 3 | 14 | 0 | 0 | 24 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 K. Pitts · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +2.78 total EPA · 3 snaps · +0.93 EPA/play
- 2 L. Shenault · Carolina Panthers · Receiving · +2.05 total EPA · 2 snaps · +1.02 EPA/play
- 3 T. Allgeier · Atlanta Falcons · Rushing · +1.06 total EPA · 15 snaps · +0.07 EPA/play
- 4 M. Hollins · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +0.92 total EPA · 4 snaps · +0.23 EPA/play
- 5 A. Thielen · Carolina Panthers · Receiving · +0.76 total EPA · 2 snaps · +0.38 EPA/play
- 6 M. Sanders · Carolina Panthers · Receiving · +0.33 total EPA · 6 snaps · +0.06 EPA/play
- 7 D. Ridder · Atlanta Falcons · Rushing · +0.00 total EPA · 1 snaps · +0.00 EPA/play
- 8 J. Mingo · Carolina Panthers · Receiving · -0.11 total EPA · 5 snaps · -0.02 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
K. Pitts — ATL · Receiving
K. Pitts posted the highest total EPA (+2.78) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Atlanta Falcons's efficiency. Across 3 counted snaps, they averaged +0.93 EPA per play.
The signature play (-4.69 EPA) came from Carolina Panthers: (2:29) (Shotgun) 6-M.Sanders right guard to ATL 39 for 10 yards (27-R.Grant; 20-D.Alford). Atlanta challenged the runner was down by contact ruling, and the play was REVERSED. (Shotgun) 6-M.Sanders right guard to ATL 39
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Atlanta Falcons — B. Robinson (D. Ridder pass)
- Carolina Panthers — H. Hurst (B. Young pass)
- Atlanta Falcons — T. Allgeier
- Atlanta Falcons — T. Allgeier
Field goals
- Carolina Panthers — E. Pineiro
- Atlanta Falcons — Y. Koo
How it unfolded, quarter by quarter
A quarter-by-quarter recap built from live scoring plays and play descriptions.
The second quarter: The quarter finished even at 7–7. Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the CAR 11 (Q2 45:00) — (15:00) (Shotgun) 9-D.Ridder pass short right to 7-B.Robinson for 11 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Atlanta Falcons added 1 points from the CAR 15 (Q2 44:54) — 6-Y.Koo extra point is GOOD, Center-49-L.McCullough, Holder-13-B.Pinion.; Carolina Panthers found the end zone from the ATL 4 (Q2 35:13) — (5:13) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 9-B.Young pass short right to 81-H.Hurst for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Carolina Panthers added 1 points from the ATL 15 (Q2 35:09) — 4-E.Pineiro extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-10-J.Hekker..
The third quarter: The quarter finished even at 3–3. Carolina Panthers connected on a field goal from the ATL 25 (Q3 25:50) — (10:50) 4-E.Pineiro 43 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-10-J.Hekker.; Atlanta Falcons connected on a field goal from the CAR 31 (Q3 19:56) — (4:56) 6-Y.Koo 49 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-L.McCullough, Holder-13-B.Pinion..
The fourth quarter: Atlanta Falcons won the period 14–0. Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the CAR 3 (Q4 14:18); Atlanta Falcons added 1 points from the CAR 15 (Q4 14:12); Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the CAR 3 (Q4 4:52) — (4:52) 25-T.Allgeier left tackle for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Atlanta Falcons added 1 points from the CAR 15 (Q4 4:48) — 6-Y.Koo extra point is GOOD, Center-49-L.McCullough, Holder-13-B.Pinion..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- Carolina Panthers (Q3 21:48) — (6:48) (Shotgun) 9-B.Young pass short middle intended for 88-T.Marshall INTERCEPTED by 3-J.Bates at ATL 49. 3-J.Bates to ATL 49 for no gain (88-T.Marshall). PENALTY on CAR-80-I.Thomas, Unnecessary Rou
- Carolina Panthers (Q1 51:14) — (6:14) (Shotgun) 30-C.Hubbard left tackle to ATL 12 for -1 yards (90-D.Onyemata, 48-B.Dupree).
- Carolina Panthers (Q3 17:29) — (2:29) (Shotgun) 6-M.Sanders right guard to ATL 39 for 10 yards (27-R.Grant; 20-D.Alford). Atlanta challenged the runner was down by contact ruling, and the play was REVERSED. (Shotgun) 6-M.Sanders ri
- Atlanta Falcons (Q4 14:18) — (14:18) 25-T.Allgeier left end for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN. The Replay Official reviewed the runner was inbounds ruling, and the play was Upheld. The ruling on the field stands.
- Carolina Panthers (Q1 46:10) — (1:10) (Shotgun) 9-B.Young pass short middle intended for 81-H.Hurst INTERCEPTED by 3-J.Bates at CAR 20. 3-J.Bates to CAR 17 for 3 yards (15-J.Mingo).
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- Carolina Panthers (Q3 17:29) — (2:29) (Shotgun) 6-M.Sanders right guard to ATL 39 for 10 yards (27-R.Grant; 20-D.Alford). Atlanta challenged the runner was down by contact ruling, and the play was REVERSED. (Shotgun) 6-M.Sanders ri
- Carolina Panthers (Q3 21:48) — (6:48) (Shotgun) 9-B.Young pass short middle intended for 88-T.Marshall INTERCEPTED by 3-J.Bates at ATL 49. 3-J.Bates to ATL 49 for no gain (88-T.Marshall). PENALTY on CAR-80-I.Thomas, Unnecessary Rou
- Carolina Panthers (Q1 51:14) — (6:14) (Shotgun) 30-C.Hubbard left tackle to ATL 12 for -1 yards (90-D.Onyemata, 48-B.Dupree).
- Carolina Panthers (Q1 46:10) — (1:10) (Shotgun) 9-B.Young pass short middle intended for 81-H.Hurst INTERCEPTED by 3-J.Bates at CAR 20. 3-J.Bates to CAR 17 for 3 yards (15-J.Mingo).
Quarterback report card
B.Young led all passers in efficiency for Carolina Panthers, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- B.Young (Carolina Panthers) · 46 dropbacks · 43.5% completion · -5.5% CPOE · -0.23 EPA/play · -10.76 total EPA
- D.Ridder (Atlanta Falcons) · 24 dropbacks · 62.5% completion · +6.4% CPOE · -0.23 EPA/play · -5.60 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | Carolina Panthers | Atlanta Falcons |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | -0.213 | -0.064 |
| Offensive success rate | 37.4% | 40.6% |
| Pass EPA/play | -0.234 | -0.233 |
| Rush EPA/play | -0.295 | -0.052 |
| Defensive EPA/play | +0.064 | +0.213 |
| Defensive success rate | 59.4% | 62.6% |
By the numbers
Atlanta Falcons held the efficiency edge in offensive EPA per play (-0.06 vs -0.21), even if the scoreboard told a different story.
- Atlanta Falcons: 13 drives, -4.45 total EPA, 4 scoring drives
- Carolina Panthers: 12 drives, -19.41 total EPA, 2 scoring drives
Key takeaways
What to remember for fantasy research, film review, and follow-up box score digging.
- Atlanta Falcons leaves with the win and the better postgame narrative for Week-to-week momentum.
- K. Pitts (Atlanta Falcons) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
- B. Young (CAR) finished below expected efficiency — volume may have masked accuracy issues.
- D. Ridder (ATL) beat expectation through the air — positive CPOE game for stack builds.
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with field position and full play-by-play context.
- Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q2 45:00 · CAR 11 · Score 0-6
(15:00) (Shotgun) 9-D.Ridder pass short right to 7-B.Robinson for 11 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Atlanta Falcons XP (+1) — Q2 44:54 · CAR 15 · Score 0-7
6-Y.Koo extra point is GOOD, Center-49-L.McCullough, Holder-13-B.Pinion. - Carolina Panthers TD (+6) — Q2 35:13 · ATL 4 · Score 6-7
(5:13) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 9-B.Young pass short right to 81-H.Hurst for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Carolina Panthers XP (+1) — Q2 35:09 · ATL 15 · Score 7-7
4-E.Pineiro extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-10-J.Hekker. - Carolina Panthers FG (+3) — Q3 25:50 · ATL 25 · Score 10-7
(10:50) 4-E.Pineiro 43 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-10-J.Hekker. - Atlanta Falcons FG (+3) — Q3 19:56 · CAR 31 · Score 10-10
(4:56) 6-Y.Koo 49 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-L.McCullough, Holder-13-B.Pinion. - Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q4 14:18 · CAR 3 · Score 10-16
(14:18) 25-T.Allgeier left end for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN. The Replay Official reviewed the runner was inbounds ruling, and the play was Upheld. The ruling on the f - Atlanta Falcons XP (+1) — Q4 14:12 · CAR 15 · Score 10-17
6-Y.Koo extra point is GOOD, Center-49-L.McCullough, Holder-13-B.Pinion. PENALTY on CAR, Illegal Formation, 5 yards, enforced between downs. - Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q4 4:52 · CAR 3 · Score 10-23
(4:52) 25-T.Allgeier left tackle for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Atlanta Falcons XP (+1) — Q4 4:48 · CAR 15 · Score 10-24
6-Y.Koo extra point is GOOD, Center-49-L.McCullough, Holder-13-B.Pinion.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Carolina Panthers vs Atlanta Falcons?
The Atlanta Falcons beat the Carolina Panthers 24-10 in Week 1, 2023 on 2023-09-10.
What was the final score of Carolina Panthers vs Atlanta Falcons?
The final score was Carolina Panthers 10, Atlanta Falcons 24 (CAR 10-24 ATL) in Week 1, 2023 on 2023-09-10.
What was the score by quarter in Carolina Panthers vs Atlanta Falcons?
Q2: Carolina Panthers 7, Atlanta Falcons 7; Q3: Carolina Panthers 3, Atlanta Falcons 3; Q4: Carolina Panthers 0, Atlanta Falcons 14; Final: Carolina Panthers 10, Atlanta Falcons 24.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Carolina Panthers vs Atlanta Falcons?
Atlanta Falcons touchdown — B. Robinson (D. Ridder pass) (Q2 45:00) Carolina Panthers touchdown — H. Hurst (B. Young pass) (Q2 35:13) Atlanta Falcons touchdown — T. Allgeier (Q4 14:18) Atlanta Falcons touchdown — T. Allgeier (Q4 4:52) Carolina Panthers field goal — E. Pineiro (Q3 25:50, 3 pts) Atlanta Falcons field goal — Y. Koo (Q3 19:56, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Carolina Panthers vs Atlanta Falcons?
B. Young (Carolina Panthers), 43.5% completion, -5.5% CPOE, -0.23 EPA per dropback, -10.76 total passing EPA. D. Ridder (Atlanta Falcons), 62.5% completion, +6.4% CPOE, -0.23 EPA per dropback, -5.60 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in Carolina Panthers vs Atlanta Falcons?
K. Pitts (Atlanta Falcons) led the game in total EPA with +2.78 on receiving plays. across 3 snaps. The top single-play swing was (-4.69 EPA): (2:29) (Shotgun) 6-M.Sanders right guard to ATL 39 for 10 yards (27-R.Grant; 20-D.Alford). Atlanta challenged the runner was down by contact ruling, and the play was REVERSED. (Sho. The biggest win-probability swing was -17.1%.
Season records after this game
Carolina Panthers
Now 0-1 L
Atlanta Falcons
Now 1-0 W