Atlanta Falcons vs. Washington Redskins: Bold Predictions for Each Team

The Atlanta Falcons travel to the nation’s capital on Sunday to take on the Washington Redskins. This game features plenty of firepower and could end up being one of the more entertaining matchups on the NFL’s Week 5 schedule.

The Falcons come in as one of three remaining undefeated teams, along with the Houston Texans and the Arizona Cardinals. While being 4-0 at this point might not have been expected, Atlanta is playing great football right now. Matt Ryan and Co. are hitting on all cylinders and making the best of their scoring opportunities.

Atlanta ranks 15th in both total offense (365.3 YPG) and defense (353.3 YPG), yet is third in scoring at 31 points and eighth in scoring defense at 19 points per game. Needless to say, the Falcons are playing an efficient brand of football.

The Redskins, however, are quite the opposite. They feature an explosive offense that is backed up by a horrible defense, resulting in a 2-2 record.

Washington has scored 123 points this season in large part due to Robert Griffin III living up to the hype. Injuries have decimated the Redskins defense, which has allowed 123 points this season as well.

There will be no shortage of offense in this game, with the quarterbacks leading the charge.

Here is one bold prediction for each team in Sunday’s matchup:

Matt Ryan Throws for 400 Yards and 4 Touchdowns in Shootout Win

Last week’s 30-28 victory over the Carolina Panthers might have been handed to the Falcons, literally, by Cam Newton. But those are the types of games that must be won over the course of the season for a team to be considered battle-tested.

Matt Ryan is arguably the league’s MVP through four weeks. With targets like Julio Jones, Roddy White and Tony Gonzalez, he could be the front-runner all season long.

The Redskins defense ranks 31st in the league against the pass at 326.3 yards per game, while also giving up a league-high 11 touchdowns through the air.

While the Falcons pride themselves on having a balanced attack, Ryan is set up to have a huge game on Sunday—especially if the Redskins can keep it close on the scoreboard.

Redskins Rush for 200 Yards and 3 Touchdowns as a Team

Rookies Griffin and Alfred Morris are leading the charge as the Redskins are second in the league in rushing, right behind the Kansas City Chiefs at 171 yards per game. It doesn’t seem like much will change this week against the Falcons.

Atlanta comes into this game with the fourth-worst rushing defense in the NFL, allowing 146.3 yards per game.

Griffin’s ability to improvise out of the pocket and Washington’s commitment to the run will be the only way the Redskins stay in this game. If Washington can keep the score relatively close, look for the offense to try to control the clock and keep the high-powered Falcons offense off the field.

It might not come in large chunks, but don’t be surprised if the Redskins rack up serious rushing totals on Sunday.

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