Commanders vs. Falcons Preview (9-27-25)
By: Jaden Golding
Headline Photo Credit: Washington Commanders
ATLANTA, GA— After week three, two teams enter Sunday’s matchup with different mindsets. Washington (2-1) defended home field in their previous game against the Las Vegas Raiders, winning dominantly 41-24. Veteran backup quarterback Marcus Mariota made the start in place of the injured Jayden Daniels. Mariota completed 15 of 21 passes for 207 passing yards, one passing touchdown, while also running for 40 yards and a rushing score. On the other hand, Atlanta (1-2) is coming off a disappointing 30-0 shutout loss against their division rivals, the Carolina Panthers. The Falcons couldn’t find their rhythm throughout the day, with young QB Micahel Penix Jr. throwing two picks (one returned for a touchdown) and two missed field goals by new kicker Parker Romo.
Betting Odds
Atlanta is a 1.5-point favorite against Washington at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sunday afternoon. The total point spread is 43.5.
Injury Report
Atlanta
● RB Nathan Carter: Hamstring (out)
● WR KhaDarel Hodge: Groin (out)
● A.J. Terrell: Hamstring (out)
Washington
● S Percy Butler: Hip (out)
● WR Noah Brown: Groin (out)
● TE John Bates: Groin (out)
● WR Terry McLaurin: Quad (out)
● QB Jayden Daniels: Knee (out)
● RB Jacory Croskey-Meritt: Knee (questionable)
How to watch the game?
Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia
Start time: 1:00 p.m.
Where can I watch: Fox
Marcus Mariota returns to Atlanta
Mariota was the Falcons’ starting quarterback during the 2022 season, finishing with a 5-8 record, where he completed 61.3% of his passes for 2219 yards, 15 passing touchdowns, nine interceptions, and rushed for four scores. Despite the 4-4 start to the season, the Falcons and Mariota would struggle afterwards, faltering in the standings. This led Arthur Smith, the Falcons’ head coach, to give Desmond Ridder a shot at seeing the field. Mariota respected the decision and was also forced out due to chronic knee issues, which weren’t publicly known. Mariota also had the arrival of his new baby daughter, which caused him to step away from the team. But the narrative was spun to make it look like Mariota quit on his teammates and coaches. So his departure left a bad taste in his mind, and you better believe he’s looking forward to playing his former team.
Young players need to step up.
Injuries have impacted the Washington roster on both sides of the ball in the early part of the season. McLaurin and Brown are both out, causing the receiver room to thin out. Deebo Samuel, Chris Moore, Luke McCaffery, and rookie Jaylin Lane will take on the offensive bulk of targets. For McCaffery and Lane, it’s a chance to build on strong performances from last week and establish themselves as key contributors under Kliff Kingsbury’s offense. Chris Rodriguez and Croskey-Meritt handle the carries in the backfield. Defensively, safety Tyler Owens will get a chance at a more extended role with injuries to Will Harris and Butler. I’m excited to see him play alongside Quan Martin and new addition Darnell Savage, as his physical frame and athletic skillset can allow him to fly around in the backfield. Javontae Jean-Baptiste will continue to rotate across the defensive line.
Players to watch
● Atlanta Bijan Robinson: Robinson is a top-five running back in the league and one of the bright young stars who has quickly ascended to the best of the best. Robinson is a great runner who’s tricky to bring down. If he gets into the open field, the troubles emerge for defenders. He can use his speed to burst out of the gaps quickly, but his athletic frame allows him to maneuver around defenders and display his dynamic ability to make catches out of the backfield.
● Washington Frankie Luvu: Luvu has had a quiet start to the 2025 season. It’s not that he hasn’t made plays, but his name hasn’t been called a lot. Luvu is an excellent piece on this Washington defense that plays with great energy. He makes open-field tackles and disrupts the backfield with his IQ and freak athleticism. Sunday is an opportunity for him to get it going against this young Atlanta offense, with pieces where players like Luvu will be needed to match up against them.
History vs. Atlanta Falcons
I. The Commanders are 18-10-1 all-time against the Falcons, and this will be the 30th meeting between the two NFC teams.
II. Washington has won the previous four out of five matchups against Atlanta.
III. Last season, Washington defeated Atlanta 30-24 in overtime, clinching a playoff berth for the first time since the 2020 season.
Final Take
Washington faces many key injuries and will need to rely on its depth in key positions to step up in the absence of missing players. Veterans such as Mariota, Zach Ertz, Boby Wagner, Daron Payne, and Von Miller must lead the young guys by example and guide the Commanders to a road victory. Atlanta will be hungry to erase the week 3 performance by finding the endzone a lot more and disrupting Washington’s young offense.
