First TNF, then MNF, now SNF – the Falcons are becoming common primetime viewing for football-loving Americans. Fortunately that hasn’t been a bad thing the past two weeks. Since the return of Michael Penix Jr., the Falcons have looked like a totally different team. He’s played very well, ranking in the top three in overall EPA per dropback in two starts. Of course, the ironic part of that is it’s not as much Penix as it is the Falcons’ ground attack that’s become shockingly good overnight.
Bijan Robinson continues to thrive in night games, gaining a whopping 339 rushing yards and four touchdowns in his past two showings. As a unit, the Falcons have gained 447 total rushing yards in the same span. Kevin Stefanski is clearly making sure his offense is running through what every fantasy-head has been dying for since the Texas star joined the league – more Bijan.
It’s worth noting that the Falcons accomplished this feat against two very bad defenses. The Packers’ front-seven has been mauled by injuries, specifically missing superstar pass-rusher Micah Parsons, and they’ve gone through an uncomfortable adjustment with Jonathan Gannon as their new coordinator. I'm not a big fan of Gannon and find no reason to be following the past five years of his coaching career. Atlanta also battled New Orleans, a division foe, who, like Green Bay, has been devastated by injuries and went into Week 4 with one of the worst run defenses.
The Falcons’ defense has looked better, too, and no group allows fewer rushing yards per attempt (2.7). Again, we question their opponents (PIT, CAR, GB, NO), but that’s an impressive datapoint either way, a solid 0.5 yards below the next best team (Tampa allows 3.2 ypa).
The Ravens’ defense has presented a mixed bag depending on their opponent, but they still rank top-11 in run-defense and top-10 in opponent yards per play. They’ll need it in Week 5. Atlanta’s rushing attack, especially on their home turf, will present a major challenge for a Baltimore squad without their star QB, Lamar Jackson. Backup Tyler Huntley is one of the best number twos in the NFL, a guy who’s stepped in plenty for Lamar, but it’s still a significant drop in expectations when a two-time MVP can’t play.
This is also a huge test for Jesse Minter. The 43-year-old was one of the most sought-after coaches following defensive coordinator stints at Michigan and for the LA Chargers. We’ve seen flashes of a highly disciplined group, led by All-Pro Kyle Hamilton, and I expect that Minter will take this role personally in Week 5. It’s akin to how Ben Johnson crafts an even more ingenious offensive game plan when his QB is injured. Have we seen it a ton from Minter yet? We have not, but the resume is there.
Always worth mentioning – the Ravens have an intrinsic edge in Derrick Henry and what he’s capable of, regardless of their opponent. We understand why markets have responded so positively to the Falcons after the last two weeks, but Baltimore has plenty of talent to keep this close or win. The value is on a deflated dog.
Ravens vs Falcons best bet: Ravens +3.5 (-115) available at time of publishing. Playable at that number to -125.
