Patriots vs. Falcons: TV Info, Spread, Injury Updates, Game Time and More

A couple of NFL heavyweights will battle on NBC Sunday Night Football when the New England Patriots travel to face the Atlanta Falcons.

The Patriots enter the game with an undefeated record, while the Falcons have gotten off to a cool start, losing two of their first three games. 

New England's defense has surprisingly led the way, as Tom Brady has struggled to get in sync with a new and inexperienced corps of receivers. But rookies Aaron Dobson and Kenbrell Thompkins have begun to catch on, and the always reliable Julian Edelman has been a workhorse in the meantime.

The Falcons have been hit hard by the injury bug to start the season, losing seven different starters, including running back Steven Jackson and linebacker Sean Weatherspoon. 

Another loss this week would drop Atlanta to 1-3, which would put the team three games behind the New Orleans Saints, should the Saints beat the Miami Dolphins on Monday Night Football. 

Here's what you need to know about this upcoming contest. 

When: Sunday, Sept. 29, 8:30 p.m. ET

Where: Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Ga.

Watch: NBC

Live Stream: NBC Sports Live Extra

Betting Lines (via Covers) 

• Over/Under: 49.5 pts.
• Spread: Atlanta (-1.5)

Patriots Injury Report (via Patriots.com)

Out
Player	Position	Injury
No Players Listed
Did Not Participate
Player	Position	Injury
Matthew Slater	WR	Wrist
Sebastian Vollmer	OL	Foot
Limited Participation
Player	Position	Injury
Danny Amendola	WR	Groin
Kyle Arrington	CB	Groin
Brandon Bolden	RB	Knee
Marquice Cole	CB	Hamstring
Nate Ebner	DB	Ankle
Rob Gronkowski	TE	Back/Forearm
Jerod Mayo	LB	Ankle
Will Svitek	OL	Knee
Leon Washington	RB	Thigh
Full Participation
Player	Position	Injury
Zach Sudfeld	TE	Hamstring
Vince Wilfork	DL	Foot

Falcons Injury Report (via Patriots.com)

Out
Player	Position	Injury
No Players Listed
Did Not Participate
Player	Position	Injury
Steven Jackson	RB	Hamstring
Limited Participation
Player	Position	Injury
Sam Baker	T	Foot/Knee
Julio Jones	WR	Knee
Peter Konz	C	Knee
Garrett Reynolds	G	Knee
Roddy White	WR	Ankle
Full Participation
Player	Position	Injury
Robert McClain	CB	Knee
Josh Vaughn	RB	Ankle

Can New England's Secondary Stymie Matt Ryan?

Through three games, it appears New England's secondary is much improved this year compared to the past few. The Patriots are allowing just 188.3 passing yards per game (No. 6 in the NFL) and have given up just two passing touchdowns while intercepting four passes.

But it would be foolish not to factor in the quarterbacks that have struggled against the Patriots.

EJ Manuel and Geno Smith are both rookies on teams with limited offensive weapons. Josh Freeman has played so poorly this year that he was benched in favor of rookie Mike Glennon, as noted by ESPN.com's Adam Schefter. 

Meanwhile, Matt Ryan has had himself a nice start to the 2013 season, completing 68.1 percent of his passes for 909 yards with six touchdowns and just two interceptions. 

If the Patriots can do to Ryan what they did to Manuel, Smith and Freemen, then New England will move to 4-0 in Atlanta on Sunday night. 

Prediction

It's hard to bet against Brady in a prime-time game. More often than not, he's going to find a way to win. 

But with Atlanta's back up against the wall, I expect the Falcons to come out and play the best game of the year. Matt Ryan is one of the NFL's best quarterbacks, and Roddy White is beginning to get back into his elite form after an early ankle injury curtailed his effectiveness.

The Patriots will have a tough time running against Atlanta's front seven, putting pressure on Brady's young receivers to play well.

But the Georgia Dome will be rocking and rolling on Sunday night, and I expect the youngsters to struggle on the road.

The Falcons should win this game by a close margin to save their season by moving to 2-2. 

Final Score 

Falcons 30, Patriots 28

Follow me on Twitter @JesseReed78.