Sports Illustrated
Green Bay is favored to win a short-week matchup with Atlanta, but the Falcons counter with a potent run game led by Bijan Robinson and a capable passing attack anchored by Michael Penix Jr., potentially exposing Green Bay’s run-stuffing defense and secondary matches. The Packers’ early-season run defense has held up, yet Atlanta’s balance and Robinson’s explosiveness create a blueprint that could derail Green Bay if the defense underestimates the threat or if Green Bay’s offense remains constrained by two-high safety looks. A key swing factor is whether Green Bay can sustain its own ground game to keep Atlanta honest and avoid predictable passing downs. In the near term, the game hinges on execution in the trenches, maintaining a diversified attack, and converting opportunities on a short week before a tougher October slate. Looking ahead, both teams will assess injury implications and adjust schemes to exploit the opponent’s weaknesses, with momentum potentially shifting after this Thursday night contest.