If you haven't had a chance to see the Prime-Time Atlanta Falcons, you have one more chance on Sunday night when they host the Baltimore Ravens in their last evening game of the season.
In each of the last two weeks Atlanta has gone in as an underdog and come out with 21-point wins over Green Bay and New Orleans, punctuated by an explosive game on the ground led by Bijan Robinson and some exceptional quarterback play from Michael Penix.
This time around the Falcons are catching a break as it appears two-team NFL MVP Lamar Jackson won't be available for the Ravens due to an ankle injury. Let's see how that changes the math and the key matchups for this week.
RB Bijan Robinson vs. LB Roquan Smith
The best running back on the planet right now is Bijan Robinson, who's red hot going into
this week. Over the last two games Robinson has racked up 339 yards on the ground to go with four touchdowns. The guy who will be most-responsible for stopping him is superstar Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith, a three-time first-team All-Pro who's one of the game's best tacklers and all-around defenders. Smith leads Baltimore with 34 combined tackles so far.
Falcons run defense vs. RB Derrick Henry
The Ravens have their own stud in their backfield with the ageless five-time Pro Bowler Derrick Henry. Through four games Henry leads the NFL with seven rushing touchdowns and he has a very healthy 55.1% success rate on the ground. Slowing down Henry will require a team effort as always, but that should be easier this week with Lamar Jackson out of the lineup. In any case, Atlanta has the best run defense in the NFL this year by a wide margin, giving up just 48.3 yards per game.
QB Michael Penix Jr. vs. S Kyle Hamilton
Aside from his first drive of the year against the Packers, Michael Penix has played remarkably clean ball since returning to the lineup in Week 3. Now Penix has to be particularly careful because he has to account for the best safety in the league in Kyle Hamilton, who has five career interceptions to go with 39 pass breakups. Penix has to be aware of where Hamilton is on the field at all times and he cannot stare down any of his receivers, or he'll risk a costly turnover.
CB Avieon Terrell vs. WR Zay Flowers
The Ravens still haven't managed to field a strong WR corps at any time in Lamar Jackson's career. Right now their only respectable option is third-year receiver Zay Flowers, who typically lines up in the slot. There he will meet the Falcons' top draft pick this year, former Clemson corner Avieon Terrell. So far he's done a terrific job in coverage, allowing just a 36.4% completion rate and a 47.5 passer rating. Meanwhile, Flowers leads the Ravens with 352 receiving yards this year. Nobody else has more than 171.
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Falcons vs. Ravens: 4 key matchups to watch on Sunday Night Football
