Atlanta Falcons at Denver Broncos: Week 5 Preview

Nov 16, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) and quarterback Matt Ryan (2) react in the third quarter. The Falcons defeated the Panthers 19-17 at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 16, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) and quarterback Matt Ryan (2) react in the third quarter. The Falcons defeated the Panthers 19-17 at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 16, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) and quarterback Matt Ryan (2) react in the third quarter. The Falcons defeated the Panthers 19-17 at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 16, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) and quarterback Matt Ryan (2) react in the third quarter. The Falcons defeated the Panthers 19-17 at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

The Atlanta Falcons hope to be that team that can knock the Denver Broncos from the undefeated ranks. Do they have the firepower and momentum for it?

Background:

Being the defending champions, nobody should be surprised the Broncos are one of the few undefeated teams remaining. The bigger surprise is how well the Falcons have played through the first four weeks. They are 3-1 thanks to the outstanding capabilities of their multidimensional offense. Thus it will be a great offense vs. great defense kind of game in this intriguing cross-conference showdown.

Injury Report:

Trevor Siemian (shoulder) – The Broncos have a difficult decision ahead of them. By the look of things the shoulder injury suffered by Trevor Siemian has made him a game-time decision for Sunday. Does head coach Gary Kubiak go back to him or does he stick with rookie Paxton Lynch? More than a few Broncos fans would prefer to push forward with the 1st round pick since that end result seems inevitable anyway.

Deion Jones (calf) – The Falcons defense is struggling enough as it is. Losing playmakers at this stage hurt pretty bad. Promising linebacker Deion Jones has been among their few standouts, showcasing his versatility as a tackler and coverage linebacker. Not having him available against the weapons Denver will field could be a big problem for Atlanta.

Key Matchup:

Julio Jones vs. Aqib Talib

The job for the Broncos defense is simple, but far from easy. They have to find a way to slow down Julio Jones. He’s coming off a 300-yard performance. It’s just not possible to stop him when he’s on his game like this. So the job of Aqib Talib will be to frustrate him long enough for Von Miller and the pass rush to get after Matt Ryan. Failing to do that could expose them to big plays all afternoon long.

Prediction:  Broncos win 20-12

Throughout NFL history the matchups between the best offense in the league and the best defense almost invariably go in the defenses’ favor. Denver shut down Carolina last season in the Super Bowl and they have the pieces necessary to do the same against Atlanta. They’ll be at home and should be able to run the football against a depleted Falcons defense.