It’s the Carolina Panthers versus the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 20, 2026. Here’s how to watch live on TV.
- Time: 1:00 PM ET
- Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA
- TV Channels: FOX
How to Watch Carolina Panthers vs. Atlanta Falcons on September 20, 2026
You can watch the Atlanta Falcons take on the Carolina Panthers live on DIRECTV on FOX on September 20, 2026 at 1:00 PM ET.
Carolina Panthers (0-1) at Atlanta Falcons (0-1) — Game Preview
The Carolina Panthers (0-1) visit the Atlanta Falcons (0-1) at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 20, 2026 with both teams still chasing their first win of the season. Carolina’s offense produced 478 yards and 37 points in its opener, but its defense surrendered 560 yards and 59 points, a total that ranks 32nd and last in the league, while Atlanta’s issue has run the other way, with an offense stuck at 238 yards and 13 points even though its defense held up better, allowing 279 yards and 20 points. Bryce Young threw for 361 yards and three touchdowns on 23 of 37 passing in that opener, though he also threw an interception the Panthers will want to clean up. Cooper Rush, across the field for Atlanta, completed just 12 of 22 attempts for 143 yards and a touchdown while throwing two interceptions of his own in his first start of the year. Jalen Coker gives Young a reliable outlet after catching eight passes for 138 yards and two touchdowns in Week 1, and Bijan Robinson figures to anchor Atlanta’s offense after carrying 21 times for 83 yards, the kind of workload the Falcons need if they hope to keep Carolina’s shootout-capable offense off the field.
National TV
FOX
What Time is the Carolina Panthers vs. Atlanta Falcons Game Today?
The Carolina Panthers vs. Atlanta Falcons game starts at 1:00 PM ET.
Where Can I Watch Carolina Panthers vs. Atlanta Falcons?
You can watch Carolina Panthers vs. Atlanta Falcons on FOX. Out-of-market games are also available with NFL Sunday Ticket, exclusively on DIRECTV.
Players to Watch: Carolina Panthers vs. Atlanta Falcons
Carolina Panthers
Bryce Young — QB. Young opens as Carolina’s unquestioned starter after completing 23 of 37 passes for 361 yards and three touchdowns in the Panthers’ season opener. The one blemish was a single interception, but a 361-yard, three-touchdown outing signals real chemistry with a receiving corps that includes Jalen Coker.
Jalen Coker — WR. Eight catches for 138 yards and two touchdowns made Coker the biggest surprise of Carolina’s Week 1 passing attack. His per-catch average sits well above the norm, and if Atlanta’s secondary struggles the way its defense did in the opener, Coker could be in for another big afternoon.
Jaelan Phillips — LB. Phillips recorded a sack in his Panthers debut, giving Carolina’s pass rush an early sign of life even as the defense overall allowed 560 total yards. He’ll need help getting after Cooper Rush if the Panthers hope to keep Atlanta’s offense from finding rhythm.
Atlanta Falcons
Cooper Rush — QB. Rush threw for 143 yards and a touchdown on 12 of 22 passing in his first start for Atlanta, though two interceptions were part of the price of a shaky debut. Cleaning up the turnovers is his most pressing task against a Carolina defense that already forced a takeaway of its own in Week 1.
Bijan Robinson — RB. Robinson carried the ball 21 times for 83 yards, giving Atlanta’s offense its most consistent presence in an otherwise low-scoring season opener. Expect another heavy workload as the Falcons lean on the run to control the clock and keep Carolina’s high-powered offense off the field.
Za’Darius Smith — DE. Smith recorded two sacks in Atlanta’s opener, pacing a Falcons defense that nonetheless gave up 279 yards and 20 points. Getting consistent pressure on Bryce Young will matter even more this week against a Panthers offense that piled up 478 total yards in its own debut.
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