Every week, we name five Atlanta Falcons who deserve the spotlight in their upcoming matchup. This week, the Falcons face the Minnesota Vikings in primetime on Sunday Night Football, which serves only to heighten the intrigue.
Michael Penix
There might as well be a permanent spot for Falcons quarterback Michael Penix every week on this list, and instead of naming five Falcons, it’ll just be an exercise in naming the other four that join him.
Getting his first primetime action of 2025, all eyes will be on Penix,
who will be battling fellow 2024 first-round quarterback J.J. McCarthy, the Vikings starter. Storylines abound over the Falcons’ decision to select Penix over McCarthy last year, given that McCarthy was ranked ahead of him on consensus draft boards, contributing to the initial backlash against the pick. Penix can quiet a lot of critics and skeptics with a big game in the spotlight that comes on Sunday night.
Darnell Mooney
The Falcons get the triumphant return of wide receiver Darnell Mooney this week after missing nearly all of training camp with a shoulder injury. Having their most explosive receiver and field stretcher back should provide a massive boost to the passing attack.
The challenge will be whether he and Penix can immediately pick up where they left off in terms of precise timing without a ton of work this summer.
Matthew Bergeron
The Falcons need a better day from their left guard, Matthew Bergeron, who needs to step up. The left side of the Falcons’ offensive line needs to become a strength, given the significant blow the right side has taken due to tackle Kaleb McGary’s season-ending injury. They did not see that last week, averaging just 1.5 yards per carry on 11 runs to the left versus 2.8 yards on 11 tries to the right, according to PFF. If the left side is going to balance out McGary’s absence, it’ll mainly be on Bergeron.
Left tackle Jake Matthews’s pedigree as a top pass protector is well-established, but his limitations as a run blocker are equally well-documented. At age 33, there isn’t any realistic growth potential for Matthews, while the 25-year-old Bergeron should have tremendous upside to improve. Showing that growth won’t be easy this Sunday since Bergeron faces wily veteran defensive tackles like Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave, who combined for 13 pressures last week.
A.J. Terrell
Cornerback A.J. Terrell might have the toughest task on Sunday Night, due to the likelihood that he’ll be asked to shadow Vikings wideout Justin Jefferson. However, Terrell is coming off an impressive 2025 debut against Tampa Bay Buccaneers wideout Mike Evans, a receiver who traditionally gives him fits. Terrell had two pass breakups while allowing just three receptions.
The Falcons need Terrell to keep Jefferson contained and force the Vikings’ other wideouts to beat them. Unfortunately, a similar strategy backfired last week against the Bucs, as rookie wide receiver Emeka Ebguka had two touchdown catches, including the game-winner. However, without Jordan Addison in the lineup due to a suspension, the Falcons should feel good about their other corners besides Terrell to keep Adam Thielen and Jalen Nailor in check.
Arnold Ebiketie
If the Falcons are to pressure McCarthy into making mistakes in his second NFL start, edge rusher Arnold Ebiketie could play a huge part. Ebiketie and Falcons rookie James Pearce split snaps mainly rushing from the right side last week. Now Pearce is questionable against the Vikings due to a lingering groin injury, meaning that if the Falcons want to take advantage of Vikings left tackle Christian Darrisaw’s absence, it’ll likely fall mainly on Ebiketie.
The Falcons’ fourth-year pass-rusher had one of his best games last year against the Vikings, generating three pressures against right tackle Brian O’Neill. He should find even greater success against backup left tackle Justin Skule, who gave up two sacks last week.
Can you name any more Falcons that intrigue you for Sunday Night’s matchup?
