Cooper Rush's first-snap fumble buries Falcons +1.5 in 34-3 rout

This one was over early. Cooper Rush fumbled on a needless scramble on the game's first snap, then threw two interceptions, and Atlanta never recovered. I built the case on Carolina's defense being the unit that surrendered 59 points to Chicago and on a possible quarterback upgrade in Atlanta. Neither showed up. Undrafted rookie Jack Strand relieved Rush and went 8 of 15 for 59 yards, Bryce Young found Darren Waller for a touchdown, and a pick-six put it away. Missed the number by 29.5. Not a bad beat, a bad read.

This is the most lopsided ticket split on the board. Carolina flipped from a 1.5-point underdog to a 1.5-point favorite with 86% of bets and 83% of money, and this is the same Carolina defense that just gave up 59 to Chicago. Atlanta went to Pittsburgh with Cooper Rush and lost by only a touchdown. There's also an upside option at quarterback: Tua could start Week 2 if Penix isn't ready. Home dog, fade the public.