FantasyHQ · Game Recap

NFL · Week 1 · September 10, 2023 · 10 min read

Carolina Panthers vs. Atlanta Falcons: 2023 Week 1 Recap

Falcons defeat Panthers 24–10 in Week 1

Kyle Pitts led Fantasy Impact as Falcons prevailed in a 10–24 Week 1 finish.

Carolina Panthers 10 0–1
Final 10–24
Atlanta Falcons 24 1–0 Winner
Winner
Atlanta Falcons
Final score
10–24
Halftime
Tied 7–7 at halftime
Top passer
Byron Young
FantasyHQ MVP
Kyle Pitts
Game date
September 10, 2023

Top fantasy performers · Panthers

  • Laviska Shenault Jr.
    Laviska Shenault Jr. 2 REC · 16 YDS +2.0 Fantasy Impact
  • Adam Thielen
    Adam Thielen 2 REC · 12 YDS +0.8 Fantasy Impact
  • Miles Sanders
    Miles Sanders 4 REC · 26 YDS +0.3 Fantasy Impact

Top fantasy performers · Falcons

  • Kyle Pitts
    Kyle Pitts 2 REC · 44 YDS +2.8 Fantasy Impact
  • Tyler Allgeier
    Tyler Allgeier 15 CAR · 75 YDS · 2 TD +1.1 Fantasy Impact
  • Mack Hollins
    Mack Hollins 3 REC · 31 YDS +0.9 Fantasy Impact

Game story

The Atlanta Falcons defeated the Carolina Panthers 24–10 in Week 1 of the 2023 NFL season on 2023-09-10, a matchup that built a comfortable lead. The decisive swing (-17.1% win probability) came in the third quarter when Carolina Panthers swung the momentum.

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.

Q2Q3Q4T
Carolina Panthers7300010
Atlanta Falcons73140024

Stars of the game

Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.

  1. 1 K. Pitts · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +2.78 total EPA · 3 snaps · +0.93 EPA/play
  2. 2 L. Shenault · Carolina Panthers · Receiving · +2.05 total EPA · 2 snaps · +1.02 EPA/play
  3. 3 T. Allgeier · Atlanta Falcons · Rushing · +1.06 total EPA · 15 snaps · +0.07 EPA/play
  4. 4 M. Hollins · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +0.92 total EPA · 4 snaps · +0.23 EPA/play
  5. 5 A. Thielen · Carolina Panthers · Receiving · +0.76 total EPA · 2 snaps · +0.38 EPA/play
  6. 6 M. Sanders · Carolina Panthers · Receiving · +0.33 total EPA · 6 snaps · +0.06 EPA/play
  7. 7 D. Ridder · Atlanta Falcons · Rushing · +0.00 total EPA · 1 snaps · +0.00 EPA/play
  8. 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) (Q2 45:00)
  • Carolina Panthers — H. Hurst (B. Young pass) (Q2 35:13)
  • Atlanta Falcons — T. Allgeier (Q4 14:18)
  • Atlanta Falcons — T. Allgeier (Q4 4:52)

Field goals

  • Carolina Panthers — E. Pineiro (Q3 25:50)
  • Atlanta Falcons — Y. Koo (Q3 19:56)

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 [WPA -17.1% · EPA -4.59]
  • 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). [WPA -11.5% · EPA -4.54]
  • 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 [WPA -10.5% · EPA -4.69]
  • 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. [WPA +9.7% · EPA +1.18]
  • 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). [WPA -8.9% · EPA -3.79]

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 [WPA -10.5% · EPA -4.69]
  • 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 [WPA -17.1% · EPA -4.59]
  • 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). [WPA -11.5% · EPA -4.54]
  • 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). [WPA -8.9% · EPA -3.79]

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.

StatCarolina PanthersAtlanta Falcons
Offensive EPA/play-0.213-0.064
Offensive success rate37.4%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 rate59.4%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.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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
  8. 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.
  9. Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q4 4:52 · CAR 3 · Score 10-23
    (4:52) 25-T.Allgeier left tackle for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  10. 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