Falcons vs Commanders Preview (12-28-24)
By: Jaden Golding
Headline Photo Credit: Washington Commanders
LANDOVER, MD—The end of the regular season is near, as the Washington Commanders welcome the Atlanta Falcons to town in a Sunday night matchup in week 17. This matchup has huge implications for both teams trying to make the playoffs and will determine a lot heading into the final week. Washington can secure a playoff berth with a win or a Tampa Bay loss/tie.
Washington (10-5) is coming off three straight victories against Tennessee, New Orleans, and Philadelphia. Meanwhile, Atlanta (8-7) has won two straight on the road against the Raiders and Giants.
After benching starting quarterback Kirk Cousins after their narrow victory against Las Vegas in week 15, rookie eight-overall pick Micahel Penix Jr. filled in for Cousins against New York. Penix Jr. completed 18 for 27 passes for 202 passing yards and one interception. He commanded the offense well and was able to get the ball out of his hand quickly.
Meanwhile, Jayden Daniels had another great showing throwing for five touchdown passes allowing them to come from behind in their victory against the Eagles.
Keys To Victory For Washington
● Minimize The Big Plays: Starting corner Marshon Lattimore will miss Sunday’s contest due to his reaggravating hamstring injury in the fourth quarter last week. The Washington secondary has to step up and make plays to limit the Atlanta playmakers such as Drake London, Darnell Mooney, Ray-Ray McCloud, and Kyle Pitts. Look for either Michael Davis and Benjamin St-Juste to fill in or a mixture.
● Protect The Ball: Against the Eagles last Sunday, the Washington offense turned the ball over five times. That is unacceptable and nearly cost the Commanders the game. Daniels threw two picks, one that he overthrew and the last one he forced across the body. Lastly, Brian Robinson Jr. had his worst game fumbling twice and wide receiver Dyami Brown fumbled once. Washington must keep the ball out of Atlanta’s hands and not give them a short-field position.
● Use Your Ground Attack: Daniels has led in rushing yards the past two weeks. The Commanders can’t over-rely on Daniels to lead them in their aerial and ground attack. The public already knows Daniels is a dual-threat quarterback, but the Commanders’ running back room is more than capable of shouldering their load.
Washington and Atlanta Player To Watch
● RB Bijan Robinson: Robinson is a dynamic star in the making that defenses must not take their eye off. He can power through defenders, using his elite playmaking and shiftiness to evade them. He also can catch balls out of the backfield as he has hauled in 56 receptions for 426 yards and one touchdown.
● DT Jonathan Allen: After going down with a partially torn pec injury against the Ravens in October, Allen has beat the initial odds of missing the rest of the season and returns in a key matchup with the Falcons. Allen can provide an immediate impact on the line, clogging up the lanes with his physical powerful presence. Disrupting the offensive line’s protection schemes and providing resistance.
History vs. Falcons
Washington leads the all-time series against Atlanta, with an 18-10-1 head-to-head record. The Commanders have won the previous three matchups dating back to the 2021 season.
Final Verdict
On paper, Washington is the favorite to secure the Sunday Night victory. Both teams know what’s at stake and have their playoff hopes on the line. It’ll come down to execution and the stars making the key plays in big moments.
