We’re feeling positive about the matchup ahead.
The Falcons are at 1-2 right now, having knocked off the Giants after a couple of tough losses to begin the season. The opportunity is in front of them now to start chaining a few victories together with two relatively straightforward matchups ahead, starting with Washington at home today.
As is custom, we turned to The Falcoholic’s writers and editors to predict how the game ahead will go. As is also custom, once you’ve checked out ours, be sure to share yours in the comments.
Falcons 21 – WFT 20
On paper, this looks like another nightmare scenario for the Falcons offensive line. Kaleb McGary facing off against Chase Young is the stuff of nightmares. Yet, I’m choosing to believe that the progress we’ve seen in the trenches is real. That’s not to say that I’m expecting a dominating performance but I do think they’ll be good enough. Taylor Heinicke isn’t the kind of QB to take over a game and I believe Pees will find a way to force him into a key mistake or two. If Antonio Gibson doesn’t play on Sunday, this score differential could widen. I still think the offense will mostly struggle as they continue to adapt to the new scheme and new starters, but Atlanta will move to 2-2 ahead of their trip to London next week. – David Walker
Falcons 24 – WFT 23
I am struggling to place this Falcons team. Is this a 4 win team? 8+ wins? There are certainly some reasons for optimism: Dante Fowler and Isaiah Oliver look great, the offensive line is gelling, Cordarrelle Patterson is a legit offensive weapon, Kyle Pitts is getting more targets, and the new coaching staff seems to be better understanding with this team can and can’t do. However, the roster is still pretty bad. The offense is allergic to deep plays. The defense is still full of holes. But they are playing a Football Team with similar question marks and concerns. The Football Team is on its backup QB, the defense is under performing, and they are dealing with some key injuries. This may be a bit of a homer pick, but this game (on paper) should be close. – Matt Chambers
Falcons 23 – Football Team 14
One thing is clear through the first three weeks of the season: the Atlanta Falcons are improving. The Eagles game was a disaster, the Buccaneers game was an expected loss, and the Giants game was a nail-biter up until the end. It’s tough to know for certain what will happen today. Maybe the Falcons win, maybe they lose. But I believe in this game specifically, whoever wins between the Falcons offensive line and Washington’s defensive line will ultimately decide the game. Washington’s defensive front has unexpectedly struggled in their first three games, so hopefully this isn’t a “get right” game for them. Although I could see this one going either way, I’m rolling with the Falcons to get to 2-2. – Evan Birchfield
Falcons 24 – Football Team 21
The Washington defensive line against the Falcons offensive line makes me incredibly nervous. That said, Atlanta can attack this secondary, their defense should be able to keep even the quality playmakers on Washington from going wild, and Taylor Heinicke is probably the worst quarterback the Falcons have faced thus far, even if he’s not exactly bad. If the small strides Atlanta has made to this point are real and lasting, a little more improvement this week plus the opponent should equal a win. Assuming, of course, that the offense ends up having enough time to do anything at all. – Dave Choate
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