Clash of the Commanders: Falcons and Redskins Battle for Playoff Destiny on Sunday Night Football

The stage is set for a thrilling clash on Sunday Night Football as the Atlanta Falcons and Washington Redskins face off in a pivotal battle for playoff destiny. With both teams sitting at 7-8, the winner will keep their playoff hopes alive while the loser's season will be effectively over.

Falcons Aim to Extend Winning Streak

The Falcons enter Sunday's game on a three-game winning streak, including a stunning upset of the New Orleans Saints last week. Quarterback Matt Ryan has been playing at a high level, throwing for 3,803 yards and 28 touchdowns this season. Running back Devonta Freeman has also been a key contributor, rushing for 800 yards and 10 touchdowns.

The Falcons' defense has been a bit of a liability at times, but they have made some key plays in recent weeks. Defensive end Vic Beasley is a force to be reckoned with, recording 13 sacks this season. Cornerback Desmond Trufant is also having a strong season, with 3 interceptions.

Redskins Look to Rebound from Tough Loss

The Redskins are coming off a disappointing loss to the Philadelphia Eagles last week. Quarterback Alex Smith has been solid this season, throwing for 3,193 yards and 23 touchdowns. Running back Adrian Peterson has also been a reliable option, rushing for 842 yards and 7 touchdowns.

The Redskins' defense has been a bit of a mixed bag this season. They have allowed the eighth-most points in the NFL, but they have also forced 16 turnovers.

Key Matchups to Watch

There are several key matchups to watch in this game that could decide the outcome:

• Matt Ryan vs. Washington's Pass Rush: Ryan has been playing well, but he will be tested by the Redskins' pass rush, which is led by Ryan Kerrigan.
• Devonta Freeman vs. Washington's Run Defense: Freeman is a key part of the Falcons' offense, but he will face a tough challenge against the Redskins' run defense, which is ranked in the top 10.
• Alex Smith vs. Atlanta's Pass Defense: Smith has been solid this season, but he will need to be at his best against the Falcons' pass defense, which has been opportunistic in recent weeks.
• Adrian Peterson vs. Atlanta's Run Defense: Peterson is a veteran running back who can still make big plays, but he will face a tough challenge against the Falcons' run defense, which is led by Vic Beasley.

Prediction

This is a tough game to predict, but I give the edge to the Falcons. They have been playing well lately, and they have a more explosive offense than the Redskins. The Redskins' defense will be a challenge, but I think Matt Ryan and the Falcons' offense will be able to make enough plays to win the game.

Falcons 27, Redskins 20

Conclusion

The Falcons and Redskins are both desperate for a win on Sunday Night Football. The winner will keep their playoff hopes alive, while the loser will see their season come to an end. It should be a thrilling matchup between two evenly matched teams.