The Atlanta Falcons cap a grueling three-game primetime stretch on Sunday Night Football when they host the Baltimore Ravens in their return to Mercedes-Benz Stadium. It marks Atlanta’s biggest test yet and their first 2026 battle against a winning team. As the Falcons look to prove their recent momentum is sustainable, five key contributors will face their own tests come Sunday night.
Jake Matthews
Left tackle Jake Matthews’ test centers on his status for the game and whether he’ll be healthy enough to make his 200th
consecutive NFL start against the Ravens while battling a groin injury. Last week’s win marked 200 career starts, but this week would be 200 in a row, as he hasn’t missed a game since Week 2 of 2014. It’s an incredible feat of endurance, durability, and consistency, and it would be a shame if it ended this weekend.
Zachariah Branch
For rookie wideout Zachariah Branch, the test is whether a heavier workload leads to a breakout. The Falcons have steadily gotten Branch more involved each week, dialing up manufactured screen touches and giving him more chances to stretch defenses with his speed. It seems only a matter of time before Branch evolves from a gadget weapon into a game-changing staple in the Falcons offense.
Cameron Thomas
With an edge-rusher room that is plagued by injuries, Cameron Thomas faces the toughest test of his breakout season. Thomas has been a pleasant surprise through the first month, but pressure will increase for him to carry the pass rush against the Ravens as others battle injuries. Thomas has feasted in recent weeks against mostly subpar competition, but Sunday night will bring a significant uptick against Ravens left tackle Ronnie Stanley. Testing himself against one of the league’s top pass protectors will help reveal if Thomas’ early-season tear is for real.
Billy Bowman and Sydney Brown
Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers will test both defensive backs, Billy Bowman and Sydney Brown. According to PFF, Flowers currently leads the NFL with 282 receiving yards when operating out of the slot. Bowman primarily mans the slot when the Falcons play nickel, while Brown handles those responsibilities when the team utilizes big nickel with a third safety instead of a cornerback. So far this year, the Falcons have relied more on big nickel when the opponent threatens to run the ball.
No rushing threat looms larger (literally) than Ravens running back Derrick Henry, so expect to see Brown matched up in the slot on early downs against Flowers. However, on obvious passing downs, Bowman will take over responsibilities for covering Flowers. Both players will need to pass the test of covering one of the NFL’s top receivers to keep a lid on Baltimore’s explosive potential.
Even without Lamar Jackson, Baltimore has enough firepower and challenges to reveal whether Atlanta’s recent turnaround is a temporary flash or a true foundation for 2026. Can you name other Falcons who will ultimately decide whether the team passes this Sunday night test?
