The Atlanta Falcons return home this week looking for a second-consecutive win under interim coach Raheem Morris as they host the Detroit Lions in Week 7.
HOW TO WATCH
- What: Detroit Lions vs. Atlanta Falcons
- When: Sunday, Oct. 25, 1 p.m. ET
- Where: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta
- TV: FOX
- TV announcers: Chris Myers (play-by-play), Brock Huard (color analyst), Greg Jennings (color analyst), Jen Hale (sideline reporter)
- Radio: 92.9 The Game, the Falcons' official radio network
- Radio announcers: Wes Durham (play-by-play), Dave Archer (color analyst)
- Live Stream: Watch Falcons games live for free in the official Falcons app (iOS & Android) and on AtlantaFalcons.com mobile web.*Geographic and device restrictions apply. Local & primetime games only. Data charges may apply.
Detroit holds the advantage in the all-time series between the two franchises, 24-13, however, the Falcons have won four of the past five matchups, including the most recent contest, a 30-26 victory at Ford Field that was decided on the final play of the game in Week 3 of the 2017 season.
BROADCAST MAP
Below is the broadcast maps for the NFL on FOX games this weekend, including the Lions-Falcons game (courtesy of 506sports.com):
WEATHER FORECAST
Here's the current forecast for Atlanta on Sunday, according to The Weather Channel:
- Scattered thunderstorms
- High/low: 79/62
- 40 percent chance of precipitation
- 78 percent humidity
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Matt Ryan's Impressive Week 6: Matt Ryan enters Sunday's game coming off of his best performance of the season. Ryan completed 30-of-40 pass attempts for 371 yards, four touchdowns and zero interceptions for a 136.6 passer rating, earning NFC Offensive Player of the Week honors. In the win, Ryan joined Drew Brees, Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers as the only players to pass for at least 350 yards and four touchdowns without an interception while completing at least 75 percent of their passes in multiple games in NFL history. Ryan also accomplished the feat in Week 6 of last season at Arizona. Ryan will look to continue his hot streak against the Detroit Lions, who rank 15th against the pass this season, allowing 234 net passing yards per game.
Calvin continues to climb: Calvin Ridley tallied six receptions for 61 yards (10.2 avg.) and a touchdown – the 22nd of his career – in the win over the Vikings last week. If Ridley records a touchdown on Sunday, he would surpass Andre Rison (22) for the most touchdown receptions through a player's first three seasons in franchise history.
More Jet fuel: Julio Jones returned from injury in Week 6 and recorded eight receptions for 137 yards and two touchdowns against Minnesota. It marked his 34th-career game with at least 125 receiving yards. According to my friends at the NFL's Football Communications Department, if Jones has at least 125 receiving yards on Sunday, he would tie Pro Football Hall of Famer Randy Moss (35) for the second-most such games in NFL history. Only Pro Football Hall of Famer Jerry Rice (49) had more.
Third-down momentum: The Falcons converted nine times on third down in Week 6 while facing a Minnesota defense that ranked first in the NFL on third-down entering last week. In fact, the Falcons converted as many third downs against the Vikings last Sunday as Minnesota's previous four opponents combined (Seattle 0-7, Houston 3-12, Tennessee 3-13, Indianapolis 3-11). Atlanta's recent success on third down can be attributed to the connection between Matt Ryan and Russell Gage. Gage leads the NFL in receiving first downs on third down with 10 and is tied with Cowboys WR CeeDee Lamb for the most receptions on third down (12) in the NFL this season.
Run stuffers: The Falcons defense limited the Vikings to 32 net rushing yards last week, which marked the fewest rushing yards allowed by the Falcons in a single game since Week 4 of the 2006 season (26 against Arizona). On Sunday, the Falcons defense will face a Detroit rushing attack that features a first-ballot Hall of Famer in Adrian Peterson and two recent second-round selections in D'Andre Swift and Kerryon Johnson. Rookie D'Andre Swift had his best career game in Week 6, rushing for 116 yards and two touchdowns on 14 carries against Jacksonville. Keep an eye on the matchup between the Lions' rushing attack and the Falcons' 'Run and Hit' defenders, who are coming off their best performance of the season.
