Carolina Panthers football is back. 

The team kicks off the year against the Atlanta Falcons on the road. Every NFC South game matters in a division that almost any team has a realistic shot at winning. Without any further ado, let's get to how to watch the game as well as a preview, players to watch, and notable injuries. 

Carolina Panthers (0-0) vs. Atlanta Falcons (0-0) 
Date: Sunday, Sept. 10
Time: 1:00 p.m. ET
Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Ga.
Betting odds: Panthers +3.5, over/under 39.5
How to watch on TV: FOX 
Streaming: FuboTV, YouTube TV, Network apps, etc.
Radio: 99.7 FM The Fox 

The Panthers' key to victory

It starts with pass protection. All preseason, the Carolina Panthers struggled to defend Bryce Young, who took some big hits early. In Week 1, it is time to put the work the Panthers said they did after each preseason matchup to the test. If the offensive line can keep Young upright, the Panthers will have a good shot at winning against a Falcons team that is a bit of a mixed bag right now. 

What version of Brian Burns arrives in Atlanta?

All week the Panthers have been on Brian Burns watch. It was reported that he plans to play, but what version of himself will he be against Atlanta? If he can be a more well-rounded pass rusher, he can stick it to the Panthers for not paying the $30 million a year he is looking for. 

Panthers notable injuries

• WR DJ Chark (hamstring): did not practice Wednesday and Thursday, managed a limited practice on Friday. He’s officially out for this game.
• WR Adam Thielen (ankle): limited practice Wednesday, did not practice Thursday, limited practice Friday. Expected to play Sunday. 

Two players and one person to watch

• QB Bryce Young: At risk of sounding redundant, it is true. This is Young's first start in the NFL. He will be the main attraction. The No. 1 overall pick has to live up to the hype. The Panthers are banking on it. 
• RB Miles Sanders: Sanders missed most of the preseason. He will now get a chance to prove himself as a three-down running back in a system far different than Philadelphia. It is time to see if he was worth the Panthers' multi-year investment in him. 
• HC Frank Reich: It is the start of the Reich era for the Carolina Panthers. This is his first chance to put his flair and touch on the franchise. What type of coach will Reich be? We will find out more after Sunday. 

More Panthers news

• Brian Burns expected to play Sunday against Falcons; still no contract extension
• Brian Burns and Panthers not expected to reach deal before Week 1 matchup with Falcons.
• Panthers rule out DJ Chark for Sunday matchup with Falcons; Thielen remains questionable.

Brian Burns expected to play Sunday against Falcons; still no contract extension

Carolina Panthers Brian Burns will play Sunday’s Week 1 against the Atlanta Falcons, according to reports from ESPN.

Feature image via Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports.