Atlanta Falcons vs. Jacksonville Jaguars: Full Jacksonville Game Preview

The Jacksonville Jaguars (5-8) are riding a serious momentum swing after decimating the Indianapolis Colts (6-7) 51-16 this past Sunday, which is exactly what they needed before going up against the Atlanta Falcons (6-7) this weekend.

The Falcons have suffered six straight losses, but they certainly have some talented players on both sides of the ball, and the Jaguars will have to put together another complete game if they want to ensure victory over Atlanta.

But the Jaguars seem ready for this upcoming challenge. They've hung with teams of similar quality throughout the season, and coming in with confidence and hype should have this team mentally prepared and ready for the task at hand.

The Jaguars are knocking on the door of the playoffs, and the Falcons are the next opponents in their way. Jacksonville has to go into the final three games with a "must-win" attitude in mind.

Location: EverBank Field, Jacksonville, Florida

Time: 1 p.m. ET

TV: CBS (Local)

Week 14 Results and Recap

Stephen B. Morton/Associated Press

Shutting down the Colts and ending their 16-game win streak against AFC South opponents was the best highlight of the season thus far, and it was an important moment for a young offense and struggling defense.

The offense overcame a stagnant start and ended up dropping 39 offensive points, while the defense didn't allow an offensive touchdown and kept the Colts to nine points on offense.

Initially, the Jaguars had looked destined to suffer another loss at the hands of inexplicable mistakes, most notably two lost fumbles, which led to a 13-3 lead for the Colts. Then, even after an incredible play from defensive end Andre Branch to force a fumble and then score, kicker Jason Myers still missed the extra point.

However, that was a bigger spark than most would have anticipated. The Jaguars outscored the Colts 42-3 in the second half, which featured stout play from the defense and a fluid, consistent offense.

The second half was proof that the Jaguars have the potential to put together solid showings from all sides, and it was easily their best game as a team under head coach Gus Bradley. Hopefully, it carries into this week.

News and Notes

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WR/PR Rashad Greene Wins AFC Special Teams Player of the Week

Wide receiver Rashad Greene has made a few big splashes this year for the Jaguars, but most of them have come through the return game. After scoring his first return TD of his NFL career, he's gotten some recognition as the AFC's Special Teams Player of the Week, as tweeted by the Jaguars.

Greene has proved he has the breakaway quickness and piercing vision to return punts, as evidenced by his TD against the Colts and his game-changing return against the Tennessee Titans in the Jaguars' 19-13 win.

We've only gotten a taste of Greene this season thanks to his injury issues, but he's already making waves early on—and in a way the Jaguars have not seen in a while.

TE Julius Thomas Talks Offense on NFL Network

Tight end Julius Thomas took to the studio this past week to talk about the offense and the progress the Jaguars have made, as seen at NFL.com. Thomas had a lot to say, including why he came to Jacksonville in the first place:

"

I thought it was gonna be a good opportunity for me. Just from talking to some people that I trusted around this league and hearing some of their feedback. All they kept telling me was how young that team was but how much talent and potential they had. I'm really thankful to have those people that I can trust to give me that advice because they were right, man. We have so many great guys on this team, a lot of youth, and they're all playing tremendous.

"

Thomas offered some encouraging words, and it's good to hear, along with his improved play of the past four weeks or so. The Jaguars are progressing in a lot of ways, and having new additions buy into the atmosphere is a huge positive.

Latest Injury News

Jim Steve-USA TODAY Sports

RB T.J. Yeldon

Rookie running back T.J. Yeldon has not been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Falcons, but he does have an MCL sprain, as Jaguars.com's John Oehser reported. His status hasn't been determined, but it doesn't seem likely he'll be able to go.

It's not preferable, but letting him rest is probably the best move. Denard Robinson did well in his place last week and might have to take on a bigger workload this weekend.

LB Paul Posluszny

Linebacker Paul Posluszny missed last Sunday with a hand fracture, but he seems relatively recovered and will likely be ready to go, according to the Jaguars' injury report. He's obviously not fully recovered, but he practiced in full Wednesday and will likely make enough progress to play Sunday.

Rookie linebacker Jordan Tripp sufficed in his place, but Poz helps organize the defense and is the primary leader for that side of the ball. The team will welcome his return with open arms, and it should be a huge boost to have him back.

DE Andre Branch

Branch practiced in a limited fashion Wednesday, according to the injury report. He's currently hindered by a groin injury, and it will be curious to see how well he progresses over the next couple of days.

Branch was such a huge piece of last Sunday's win, which was far from the typical lackluster quality we've consistently seen from him. The Jaguars will hope he comes back from the injury in time to try to continue making impactful plays.

Key Matchups

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Jaguars Secondary vs. Julio Jones, Roddy White and Justin Hardy

In all honestly, the offense shouldn't have much trouble with the Falcons, so it will be more on the defense to deliver. This can be a difficult challenge, especially when you consider the Falcons' various offensive weapons.

The top priority is Julio Jones. He has been one of the best receivers in the NFL as of late, and shutting him down via corner Davon House would be huge toward limiting the Falcons' attack. But it won't simply rest on his shoulders.

Cornerbacks Nick Marshall, Aaron Colvin and Dwayne Gratz will need to put in a team effort with safeties Johnathan Cyprien and Sergio Brown to shut down wide receivers Roddy White and Justin Hardy, who both will look to excel while Jones draws most of the attention.

Jaguars Linebacker Group vs. Falcons' RB Tandem

The Jaguars have some really good linebackers in Posluszny and Telvin Smith, but everyone playing the position will need to be quick and efficient Sunday. The Falcons have two solid running backs in Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman who provide a serious threat.

The Jaguars have been good against the run this season, but this will be one of their toughest challenges. It will require sure tackling from Smith, Posluszny and Dan Skuta, as well as also some big plays.

Forcing a fumble or causing more than a few tackles behind the line of scrimmage will stymie the Falcons' offense, and it may deter them from using these two young weapons.

X-Factor: Nick Marshall

Sam Greenwood/Getty Images

When Marshall took the field in a starting capacity Sunday, it was one of the most surprising moves the staff has made all season. And when he gave up a huge play to T.Y. Hilton, it began to look like one of the worst moves.

But whatever plagued Marshall on the opening drive was quickly wiped clean, and his proceeding performance was impressive for his age (23) and obvious switch of position from college. Sure, he played corner in high school, but that seems like an eternity away now.

But Marshall has shown that he understands the position, and it's clear he's an incredible athlete. He's still figuring out the NFL, but he's picking it up quickly, which seems like the last hump he has to overcome.

He may not be a shutdown corner at any point, but he can hold his own at the moment and looks positioned to get better. Marshall still has a lot of time and opportunities to improve, and his next chance to show his worth is this Sunday.

Prediction: Jaguars 34, Falcons 27

Phelan M. Ebenhack/Associated Press

The Jaguars offense will continue to excel Sunday, mostly thanks to facing a relatively weak Falcons defense. Quarterback Blake Bortles should continue his scoring ways, and the Jaguars will need him to.

The Falcons offense has been struggling as well, but it's not like the Jaguars defense is an unconquerable wall. The Jags will be fighting every drive to stay with the Falcons offense, and just getting a few stops here or there may be enough.

The defense's performance has the higher variance of the two sides, and the better it does, the less the Jaguars will have to rely on Bortles scoring a bunch of touchdowns, which has become a nice element but not a guarantee.

The offensive game plan used last week, which featured solid running, will help keep the pressure off Bortles and give him a better, more comfortable environment to produce in.

It starts with the defense, but it can make a few mistakes so long as the offense continues to put up 30-plus points per game. The Jaguars match up well with the Falcons—it's now down to execution.

Prediction: Jaguars 34, Falcons 27

All stats provided by ESPN.com unless otherwise stated.

Evan Reier is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report covering the Jacksonville Jaguars. Follow Evan on Twitter @evanreier.