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Commanders vs. Falcons: 4 key matchups to watch in Week 17

Here are four big matchups to keep an eye on between the Commanders and Falcons.

The Washington Commanders (10-5) will host the Atlanta Falcons (8-7) on Sunday Night Football in Week 17, looking to clinch a playoff berth. Despite the Commanders having the better record, the Falcons are currently a higher seed in the NFC playoff picture because they lead the NFC South.

The Bucs play the Carolina Panthers at 1 p.m. ET, and the result of their game could impact the Falcons and Commanders. Tampa Bay is also 8-7, but the Falcons currently hold the tie-breaker advantage. However, if Carolina upsets the Buccaneers, the Commanders will clinch a playoff spot before their game kicks off.

This matchup looks much different than it did two weeks ago. The Falcons benched quarterback Kirk Cousins and replaced him with first-round rookie Michael Penix Jr. Sunday’s game will feature two rookie first-round quarterbacks starting against one another in prime time for the first time in NFL history.

The Falcons have multiple playmakers on both sides of the ball, which makes it a tough matchup for the Commanders. We’ve identified four key matchups for Sunday’s game.

Commanders WR Terry McLaurin vs. Falcons CB A.J. Terrell

Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin (17) catches a pass in front of Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell (24) during an NFL game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. — Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin (17) catches a pass in front of Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell (24). Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Outside of Daniels, the key for opposing defenses is always to slow down wide receiver Terry McLaurin. The veteran wideout went over 1,000 yards receiving for the fifth consecutive season last week, joining some elite company. He is having the best start to his NFL career with 12 touchdown receptions.

On the other side is A.J. Terrell. The fifth-year cornerback signed an extension before the season, making him one of the NFL’s highest-paid cornerbacks. Terrell is having another solid season for Atlanta, but McLaurin presents a big challenge. The Falcons need Terrell to limit any big plays from Daniels to McLaurin.

Commanders CB Benjamin St-Juste vs. Falcons WR Drake London

Benjamin St-Juste #25 of the Washington Commanders tackles Drake London #5 of the Atlanta Falcons. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Yes, you read that correctly. Benjamin St-Juste will likely be back in the starting lineup for Sunday’s game, as Marshon Lattimore looks unlikely to play. Lattimore reaggravated a hamstring injury in his second game for the Commanders last week against the Eagles. Philadelphia targeted Lattimore often, with him and A.J. Brown taking turns getting the best of one another — when officiating let them.

St-Juste hasn’t played much the past two weeks, but in just a few snaps against the Saints two weeks ago, he committed a critical penalty. Last week, with Lattimore out, St-Juste gave up a key fourth-down reception and missed the tackle.

London is a different matchup for St-Juste because they’re built similarly. St-Juste has struggled against smaller, quicker receivers. St-Juste cannot allow London to make multiple big plays downfield. You can guarantee that Penix will target him.

Commanders LB Bobby Wagner vs. Falcons RB Bijan Robinson

Bijan Robinson #7 of the Atlanta Falcons. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Bijan Robinson is similar to Saquon Barkley. Both were former top-10 picks capable of dominating games as a runner or receiver. While Robinson has yet to reach Barkley’s productivity, he’s had to share time. Robinson is the type of player who has hurt the Commanders. Washington did a good job of bottling up Barkley in the second half last week after he went off in the first 30 minutes. The Commanders should employ a similar strategy to slow Robinson, as he will be the focal point of Atlanta’s offense to ease the pressure off Penix.

Commanders QB Jayden Daniels vs. Falcons S Jessie Bates III

Jayden Daniels #5 of the Washington Commanders. (Photo by Timothy Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

The Falcons get their first look at Jayden Daniels this week. After it looked like an injury impacted Daniels midway through the season, or he hit the rookie wall, he’s back on track over the last three weeks. Daniels had his signature moment last week, passing for five touchdowns and rushing for 81 yards against the NFL’s top defense. He led the Commanders to an upset win over the Eagles, snapping their 10-game winning streak.

Daniels did throw two interceptions, and there’s no better defender at forcing turnovers than Falcons safety Jessie Bates III. Bates isn’t just around the ball; he’s excellent at baiting quarterbacks. Daniels isn’t your average rookie. It will be fascinating to see if the Falcons and Bates can trick Daniels into a mistake or two, which could prove to be the difference in the game.

Packers vs. Lions: 3 key matchups to watch in Week 9

Three key matchups to watch when the Packers take on the Lions in Week 9.

Ten years ago, Lions Week had a totally different outlook for the Green Bay Packers. This week, the winner will be in first place in the NFC North.

The Packers escaped with a win over the Jacksonville Jaguars, but it came at a cost, as several key players were injured. Top corner Jaire Alexander and standout rookie safety Evan Williams both left the game early.

Meanwhile, after exiting in the third quarter, Jordan Love’s status is also uncertain as he nurses an aggravated groin. Even with less mobility, Love could give the Packers their best chance of winning.

If Love is unable to play, the offense will turn to Malik Willis, who has done nothing but impress since arriving in Green Bay. Willis is 2-0 as a starter this season and delivered the clutch throw to Jayden Reed to set up the game-winning field goal to defeat the Jaguars.

However, Detroit won’t care who the starting quarterback is or who is hurt on the Packers’ defense. This is a well-rounded and well-coached Lions team with a physical defense and an offense that can put up a ton of points.

All signs point toward this being a can’t-miss matchup in Week 9. Detroit has won four of the last five contests against Green Bay, but the Packers are at home and riding a four-game win streak.

If they hope to keep the win streak alive and claim the top spot in the division, it could come down to these three key matchups.

Green Bay’s Pass Rush vs QB Jared Goff

Matt LaFleur is a big fan of Goff, dating back to when the two were together with the Los Angeles Rams. On Thursday, LaFleur said he believes Goff is playing the position as well as anybody right now and that’s tough to argue when you look at the numbers. He leads the league in completion percentage and has thrown for 1,695 yards and 13 touchdowns with just four interceptions. However, one area where Goff has struggled is avoiding sacks, having been sacked 15 times over the past five games. Green Bay’s pass rush has been hot and cold all season, but it has to show up this week if they hope to slow down Detroit’s passing attack. Taking advantage of a vulnerable Lions offensive line could be the difference.

RB Josh Jacobs vs Detroit’s Run Defense

When Love left in the second half against Jacksonville, it quickly turned into the Jacobs show. Even when the Jaguars expected the run, they had no answer, as Jacobs finished with 127 rushing yards and two touchdowns. The Packers’ lead back is fourth in the league in rushing yards, but he faces a difficult matchup this week against a top 5 run defense. In both games Love has missed this season, the ground game has been able to carry the offense. That could be a lot tougher to do this week if Love can’t go.

Green Bay’s Run Defense vs RBs Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery

There may not be a better running-back duo in the NFL than Gibbs and Montgomery. The Lions have the 6th-ranked run offense thanks to a two-headed backfield, which has combined for over 1,000 yards and 13 touchdowns in seven games. While Gibbs is the more elusive runner, Montgomery relies on his power, making for an impactful one-two punch. The Packers have been decent against the run this season (10th in yards per game), but this will be their toughest test to date.

3 key matchups for Raiders vs Panthers

At first glance, it would appear the Panthers don’t have a lot going for them. That may be true. But they’re still an NFL team with NFL players who can jump up and bite you if you’re not careful.

And the Raiders may be coming off an impressive comeback win against the Ravens in Baltimore, but that doesn’t mean they’ve clearly established themselves as some elite team. They still have to prove it over the season with their opponents collecting more and more game tape on them.

These matchups could play a major role in the outcome of this game.

CB Jack Jones vs WR Xavier Legette

Legette was the Panthers’ top pick in this year’s draft. He led the team in catches (4) in the opener, but didn’t see a target last week in a loss to the Chargers. Now the Chargers have benched Bryce Young in favor of Andy Dalton, which figures to at least awaken the pass game. This would, in turn, see Legette get some more targets as their best receiver.

Legette will face off against a fiery competitor in Jack Jones who has great hands as well to make Dalton pay for any mistakes.

TE Brock Bowers vs Xavier Woods/Jordan Fuller

Woods and Fuller are the safeties for the Panthers. They will switch off in trying to keep the Raiders phenom tight end under wraps. Bowers has 15 catches already this season and is proving himself to be a top target for Gardner Minshew. You can bet on any given play either Woods or Fuller will guarding Bowers.

DE Maxx Crosby vs T Taylor Moton

Moton will be tasked with trying to keep Crosby from wrecking this game. The veteran tackle is no slouch. This is his seventh season as the Panthers’ full time starting right tackle. And he’s never missed a game. So, it’s safe to say there isn’t a caliber of edge rusher in this league he hasn’t faced. Including last week when he faced Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa. The only sack allowed was not on Moton, but Bryce Young for not stepping up into the pocket.

Andy Dalton will need at least a bit of time to try and find an open receiver. He can’t be worrying he’s going to get smacked in under two seconds on every play or running for his life all day. That’s what Crosby did to Justin Herbert and Lamar Jackson the first two weeks. Last week against the Ravens, he went on to win AFC Defensive Player of the Week.

Packers vs. Titans: 3 key matchups to watch in Week 3

Three matchups to watch when the Packers face the Titans in Week 3.

The Green Bay Packers are back on the road this week, taking on the Tennessee Titans on Sunday from Nissan Stadium.

Green Bay is coming off a 16-10 win over the Indianapolis Colts, while the Titans are still searching for their first win of 2024 after two narrow losses.

The Packers could be tasked again with finding a way to win without Jordan Love, as it remains unclear whether the starting quarterback will return this week. Without Love against the Colts, Green Bay leaned on its rushing attack, producing 261 yards on the ground.

Meanwhile, Tennessee’s defense has played well enough to win, but the offense has struggled mightily to begin the season. This is a game the Packers should win, but they can’t overlook a Titans team desperate to save their season.

Taking a closer look at this Week 3 matchup, here are three key matchups to watch out for:

RB Josh Jacobs vs. Titans run defense

According to Tennessee’s stud defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons, “No one runs on the Tennessee Titans.” Expect Matt LaFleur to put that theory to the test, especially if Love isn’t available. With Malik Willis getting the start last week, Josh Jacobs had to carry much of the offense, rushing for 151 yards on a hefty workload. Jacobs’ 32 rush attempts against the Colts were the most by a Packers player since Ryan Grant had 33 against the Seattle Seahawks in 2008. If Green Bay plans to rely heavily on Jacobs yet again, they may face more resistance on Sunday. The Titans are first in the league in total defense, allowing only 92 rush yards per game and 4.0 yards per attempt. Facing a defense that swarms to the ball, Jacobs may need to put his superhero cape back on to carry the Packers to victory.

Edge Rashan Gary vs RT Nicholas Petit-Frere

Sep 15, 2024; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers defensive lineman Rashan Gary (52) during the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

Green Bay’s top pass rusher could be in store for a big week going up against a struggling right tackle in Petit-Frere. Tennessee has been one of the league’s worst teams in terms of pass-blocking to start the season, and Petit-Frere has been a prime culprit. According to Pro Football Focus, his 11 allowed pressures lead the entire NFL. Gary has had a slow start to the season (just three pressures), but that’s largely due to a more conservative pass-rush approach against two mobile quarterbacks. Fortunately, Will Levis isn’t the scrambler that Jalen Hurts or Anthony Richardson is, so Gary should be able to focus more on getting up-field this week. It also won’t hurt that he will have an advantageous matchup lining up opposite a right tackle going through a massive slump.

Green Bay’s pass defense vs QB Will Levis

We’ve established that Levis has received very little help from his offensive line, but he also hasn’t helped himself when it comes to taking care of the football. The ball is life in the NFL, and the 2023 second-round pick has put the ball in harm’s way far too often this year, tossing three passes to the wrong team. Meanwhile, Green Bay’s defense has made the most of their opportunities to take the ball away this year, having already accounted for a league-high five interceptions. They had just seven interceptions as a team in 2023. Ball security will be vital to the Titans finding any type of success on offense this week, but going up against an opportunistic defense will make that increasingly difficult. The Packers continuing their streak of takeaways against a struggling quarterback could be a deciding factor in Week 3.

3 Key matchups to watch for in Raiders vs Ravens Week 2

We take a look at a few key matchups that could be of particular importance when the Raiders travel to Baltimore this week.

It’s off to Baltimore for the Raiders this week to square off against the Ravens. Let’s take a look at a few key matchups that could be of particular importance to the outcome.

Robert Spillane vs Derrick Henry

Last week the Raiders held up well against the run in the first half. Then it fell apart in the second half. Spillane wasn’t specifically to blame for any of the big runs the Chargers had in terms of execution. He didn’t miss those tackles and he didn’t screw up his run fits.

That being said, Henry has a way of forcing missed tackles. And it will be Spillane’s job to make sure his teammates are playing disciplined football. Particularly Divine Deablo had a couple big lapses last week that cost the Raiders big time. Spillane will have to not only do his job on a given play, but make sure his teammates are doing theirs. And even when he’s doing his job to keep Henry from winning their one-on-one battles.

Maxx Crosby vs Lamar Jackson

The Ravens’ offensive line has some issues at the moment. Crosby should get some pressure, as you typically does, but that won’t be enough in this one. It’s one thing to get into the backfield, it’s another to corral Lamar Jackson.

Crosby will have to think not only about getting pressure, but also protecting the edge from Jackson taking off running and also catching Jackson should he get near him. Jackson put up 122 yards rushing against the Chiefs in the opener and he will do that to the Raiders too if they’re not careful. Crosby is the most capable of limiting that damage.

Gardner Minshew vs Ravens secondary

The Ravens are vulnerable against the pass. The Chiefs had some good success through the air against them. Rashee Rice had 103 yards and Xavier Worthy had two touchdowns. And they will be without rookie top pick Nate Wiggins who is OUT with a concussion.

What the Chiefs have that makes most secondaries vulnerable is Patrick Mahomes. He can make anyone look silly. The Chiefs don’t have the talent at receiver the Raiders have, so that should count for something. Whether it does or not will be up to Minshew. He averaged an NFL low 4.5 air yards per pass last week. That has to change if the Raiders offense is to sustain drives and put up more than ten points.

3 Key matchups for Raiders in season opener vs Chargers

Keep an eye on these matchups as they could be the key to who wins this game.

With most season openers, there’s a lot of mystery. Each season brings new breakout players and new challenges. While some players just remain a force to be reckoned with.

Both teams have players who fall into the category of dominance. And in some cases, those players will be going up against players who still have something to prove. Those matchups could be the deciding factor in Sunday’s season opener in Los Angeles between the Raiders and Chargers.

DE Maxx Crosby vs T Joe Alt

Alt is the Chargers’ top rookie this year. They selected him with the fifth overall pick in April’s draft. And right away he will have one of the toughest assignments in the NFL — containing Maxx Crosby.

The Raiders will need Crosby to win that battle, especially with Malcolm Koonce out with a knee injury. This defense lives and dies by its ability to get to the quarterback, so this matchup is a big one.

DT John Jenkins vs RB Gus Edwards/JK Dobbins

The Chargers figure to run the ball a lot under Greg Roman. They haven’t named a single starter at running back, so either it’s a mystery or a true dual role. In either case, the man who will played the most outsized role in trying to contain the run will be Jenkins.

Jenkins is the team’s nose tackle. Stopping the run is his primary job. Whether he makes the actual tackle on a given play is not the most important detail. His job will be to be in his gap and not get overpowered to either make the stop or force whoever is running the ball to re-direct somewhere else.

T Thayer Munford vs DE Khalil Mack

Munford will face the former Raiders All Pro edge rusher the majority of the time in his debut as Raiders starter. Mack absolutely demolished the Raiders in their first matchup last season. He lit up former RT Jermaine Eluemunor and got Kolton Miller a couple times as well to put up SIX (6) sacks against them.

Mack has had some of his best games against the team that drafted him and then opted to trade him rather than give him a new contract. He will be rearing to go for this one and facing a new starter in Munford who has a lot to prove to keep his job.

Other matchups to watch:

TE Brock Bowers vs S Derwin James

WR Davante Adams vs Asante Samuel Jr

Key matchups to watch in Colts vs. Bengals

Taking a look at the key matchups to watch in Week 14.

The Indianapolis Colts (7-5) are hitting the road for a Week 14 bout against the Cincinnati Bengals (6-6) on Sunday at Paycor Stadium.

In what will have heavy implications for the AFC playoff picture, this game is expected to be a battle down to the wire. Both teams will be trotting out backup quarterbacks in the form of Gardner Minshew and Jake Browning.

The Colts are riding a four-game winning streak for the first time since 2018 and have won five of six games on the road this season. Meanwhile, the Bengals are coming off a big road win over the Jacksonville Jaguars, their first victory since Jake Browning took over as the starter for the injured Joe Burrow.

Here are some key matchups to watch in this Week 14 game between the Colts and Bengals:

Colts vs. Buccaneers: Key matchups to watch in Week 12

These are the key matchups to watch in Week 12 between the Colts and Bucs.

The Indianapolis Colts (5-5) are looking to string together a winning streak as they host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-6) at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday.

Coming out of the bye week, the Colts will be down a trio of key players while the Bucs will be without multiple starters on the defensive side of the ball.

As both teams look to make a playoff push with seven games remaining, here’s a look at the key matchups in store for the Week 12 bout:

Colts vs. Patriots: Key matchups to watch in Week 10

Key matchups to watch in Week 10.

The Indianapolis Colts (4-5) will be looking to gain some momentum heading into the bye week, but they first take on the New England Patriots (2-7) at Deutsche Bank Park in Frankfurt, Germany on Sunday.

The overseas games are always unpredictable in nature. Players are dealing with an entirely new environment while the jet lag from the flight over likely still lingers a bit. Most games come down to a few key matchups whether it’s a one-on-one battle or between position groups as a whole.

Here are the key matchups to watch in this Week 10 bout:

Raiders vs Patriots Week 6 Preview: 5 Key Matchups

Raiders vs Patriots: 5 Key Matchups

Two struggling teams face off Sunday. It also happens to be two teams who are quite familiar with one another. Which means you can pretty much throw out any notions about which team is favored and focus on the individual matchups. It may also end up being about which team can get out of their own way.