Atlanta Falcons vs Washington Commanders Week 12 Preview

For the third week in a row the Commanders defense will need to stop a teams run attack. This week it’s the Falcons who are third in the NFL in rushing this season. For the Commanders offense Heinicke will need to be better this week. Especially since the Falcons are one of the worst teams against the pass. I expect the Commanders to throw the ball a decent amount on Sunday if Heinicke is on his game.

Defense

The Commanders defense has been playing great the last few weeks. Especially when it comes to stopping a teams run game. That will need to continue this week. Atlanta is third in the NFL in rushing and averaging 159 rushing yards per game. If the Commanders can stuff the run and force the Falcons to throw they will win the game. If not the Falcons will control the game and the Commanders offense will need to put up points.

The Secondary will be without a key player on Sunday. Benjamin St-Juste will be out with an ankle injury. He has been playing really well since they moved him outside. Most likely Danny Johnson will be starting in his place. Johnson is not the best corner, so he will need to step up on Sunday. The only good thing about Johnson playing is the Falcons aren’t the best passing team. So hopefully it won’t be a big deal having St-Juste out.

Chase Young is questionable for Sunday. If he does play he will be on a pitch count. He would probably play around 15-20 snaps and most likely on pass rushing situations. Ideally he plays and gets a couple tackles and knocks the rust off. If he doesn’t play I wouldn’t expect to see him on the field until after the bye. Especially with the Commanders playing on turf at MetLife Stadium next week.

Offense

The Commanders will need Heinicke to play better on Sunday.  He was very inaccurate last week and made a few bad decisions as well.  The Falcons are one of the worst teams against the pass this year. Atlanta allows 266 passing yards per games, which ranks 29th in the NFL.  Heinicke should have guys open he will just need to find them. 

The Commanders ran the ball well again last week .  They should be able to do that again this week.  The Falcons are in the bottom half of the league against the run.  Atlanta gives up 123 rushing yards per game and 4.4 yards per carry.  I expect the Commanders to start Gibson over Robinson on Sunday since Gibson had the better game last week.
Washington on paper should be able to do whatever they want on offense. 

Injuries

Commanders

LB Cole Holcomb is Out and has been placed on IR from a foot injury.

WR Dax Milne is Out with a foot injury.

CB Benjamin St-Juste is Out with an ankle injury.

TE Logan Thomas is Questionable with an illness.

DE Chase Young is Questionable with a knee injury.

Falcons

TE Kyler Pitts is Out with a knee injury and has been placed on IR.

DT Ta’Quon Graham is Out with a knee injury and has been placed on IR.

OT Chuma Edoga is Questionable.

RB Caleb Huntley is Questionable with an ankle injury.

TE Feleipe Franks is Questionable with a calf injury.

DE Arnold Ebiketie is Questionable with an arm injury.

DT Jalen Dalton is Doubtful with a toe injury.

Predictions

The Commanders should be able to move the ball on the ground and through the air Sunday. I expect whatever is working better is what the Commanders will lean on more. For the defense they should be able to stop the Falcons run attack. This will make Mariota throw the ball, which will allow the Commanders to pick him off twice. Commanders win on Sunday 24-17.

Lines from BetUS

Commanders -4

Over/Under 40.5