The Washington Commanders (10-5) look for their fourth consecutive win on Sunday when they host the Atlanta Falcons (8-7) in the Week 17 edition of Sunday Night Football.
A winning streak isn’t the only thing on the line for Washington. Defeating Atlanta would clinch a playoff spot for the Commanders, their first appearance since 2020. The 2020 team won the NFC East with a 7-9 record. Before a Week 15 win over New Orleans that clinched a winning record, the last time Washington finished the season with a winning record was in 2016 (8-7-1).
The Falcons recently benched former Washington quarterback Kirk Cousins months after signing him to a four-year, $180 million contract. Cousins still holds at least nine Washington franchise records. Rookie Michael Penix Jr. will make his second career start on Sunday against the Commanders.
Here are five Falcons to know ahead of Week 17.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) looks for a receiver against the New York Giants during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
Michael Penix Jr. was overshadowed in the 2024 NFL draft by Jayden Daniels, Caleb Williams, Drake Maye and J.J. McCarthy, but was as accomplished as any quarterback entering the NFL over the last several years. Penix, a traditional pocket passer, led the Washington Huskies to the national championship game last season. Penix was surprisingly picked by the Falcons only weeks after they signed Cousins in free agency. In his first NFL start last week, Penix had a quiet, but effective outing.
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson (7) runs the ball against the New York Giants in the first quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
A top-10 pick in the 2023 NFL draft, everyone expected Robinson to be an immediate superstar. While he did some good things as a rookie, it wasn’t quite the debut many expected. Some believed Robinson had a Saquon Barkley-like upside coming out of Texas. He is similar to Barkley in that he is as dangerous as a runner as he is coming out of the backfield as a receiver. Robinson has been excellent this season, rushing for 1,196 yards with 56 receptions and 11 total touchdowns.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London (5) catches a pass over Seattle Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) in the fourth quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Drake London has already established career-highs in virtually every category this season with two games remaining. The third-year wideout had established a solid rapport with Cousins, as he has 83 receptions and seven touchdowns. He is 22 yards short of his first career 1,000-yard season. If Marshon Lattimore can’t play, the 6-foot-4 London could be a problem for the Commanders. London, like Lattimore, is also battling a hamstring injury.
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Grady Jarrett (97) celebrates making a tackle in the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
Jarrett is in his 10th NFL season and remains one of the NFL’s better defensive linemen. Jarrett has 2.5 sacks and nine tackles for loss but remains equally impactful against the run and the pass. Washington’s offensive line has played well this season but has struggled against smaller, quicker defensive linemen like Jarrett.
Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates III (3) celebrates his interception with cornerback Dee Alford (20) on the Philadelphia Eagles last drive of the game during the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
There aren’t many safeties in the NFL who create more turnovers than Jessie Bates. That’s why the Falcons signed him to a big contract in 2023. The seventh-year safety has 24 career interceptions, including four this season. Bates has also forced four fumbles. A true free safety, Bates is a playmaker and Jayden Daniels must be aware of where he is on every snap.
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