The Atlanta Falcons are the hottest team in the NFC, and their own media crew believes the winning streak continues Sunday night. The Falcons On SI staff went a perfect 5-0 in their predictions for the Week 5 clash against the Baltimore Ravens at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
With Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson ruled out and Tyler Huntley set to start, Atlanta is favored to handle a banged-up Baltimore squad. But the Falcons' staff warns this is no walkover. Derrick Henry still lines up in the backfield, and the Ravens have enough talent to bite an overconfident team.
Can the Falcons handle being frontrunners?
Scott Kennedy (3-1) says yes. He points to Atlanta's dominance in the trenches, improved special teams, and an offensive coordinator on a heater. Bijan Robinson is the engine, and the Ravens are wounded. Kennedy predicts a 27-19 Falcons win.
Is this the game that reverses Atlanta's bad habits?
Gerald Thomas III (3-1) notes the Falcons are notorious for losing games they should win. But with Michael Penix Jr. under center, Atlanta is undefeated. He sees a primetime statement: Falcons 28, Ravens 9.
How do the Falcons stop Derrick Henry?
Darius Hayes (3-1) expects Atlanta's defense, the league's best against the run, to key on Henry. He also highlights Bijan Robinson's primetime surge and the electric Red Out atmosphere. His call: Falcons 28, Ravens 17.
Are the Falcons the NFL's most complete team right now?
Garrett Chapman (3-1) points to the numbers: Atlanta outscored the Packers and Saints by 42 combined, racked up 447 rushing yards while allowing just 67. Penix is completing 73.3% of his passes. Without Jackson, the Ravens are a step behind. Chapman says Falcons 24, Ravens 16.
Where will the Ravens hurt most?
Jerry Jones of the Falcons Podcast (3-1) says the real damage is on Baltimore's offensive line. Every center is hurt, the rookie guard is out of position, and the backup is questionable. He doesn't see lanes for Henry or time for Huntley. Jones calls it Falcons 31, Ravens 13.
The Falcons staff now sits at a combined 15-5 on the season. They believe Atlanta moves to 4-1 and keeps its NFC momentum rolling.
Photo: Sports Illustrated