Atlanta, GA, October 9, 2025
News Summary
The Atlanta Falcons are back to practice after a bye week, gearing up for a critical Monday Night Football game against the Buffalo Bills. Following a hard-fought victory over the Washington Commanders, the Falcons look to improve their rush defense against the formidable Bills, who boast one of the best rushing offenses in the league. With key player updates and a focus on enhancing their defensive strategies, the Falcons aim to solidify their playoff capabilities in this pivotal matchup.
Atlanta – The Atlanta Falcons are back to practice after enjoying a bye week, following a Week 4 victory that left their record at 2-2. The Falcons are gearing up for an important “Monday Night Football” clash against the Buffalo Bills, who currently hold a 4-1 record. Kickoff for the game is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. ET on October 13 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Before their bye week, the Falcons achieved a hard-fought 34-27 win over the Washington Commanders on September 28. This victory has provided the team with positive momentum as they prepare to face the formidable Bills. The Falcons’ head coach, Raheem Morris, noted that the win made the bye week much more enjoyable and emphasized the team’s eagerness to return to action for the prime-time showdown.
To tackle the Bills, the Falcons are focusing on several key areas of improvement, particularly enhancing their rush defense. Currently, their rush defense ranks 15th in the league, allowing 109.0 rushing yards per game. Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich is expected to introduce new strategies, especially since the Falcons lead the league with a blitz rate of nearly 47%. Kaden Elliss’s strong performance on defense is anticipated to be crucial, alongside potential returns from players such as A.J. Terrell, which could further strengthen their defensive lineup.
The Falcons’ rush defense has faced challenges due to explosive run rates, with a third of the rushing yards they have yielded coming from a few significant plays. In their upcoming match against the Bills, the Falcons will contend with Josh Allen, the reigning NFL MVP, and the Bills, who boast the league’s top rushing offense, achieving a rushing success rate of 48.1%. Both teams emphasize effective ground games, with Atlanta ranking sixth in rushing yards per game, while Buffalo sits comfortably at second.
This matchup against the Bills is critical for the Falcons, as it could provide insight into whether their defense is solid enough to support a playoff run. In addition to preparing for the game, the Falcons have opened a 21-day practice window for defensive lineman Ta’Quon Graham, who is returning from injured reserve. However, the depth chart has been updated for Week 6, as cornerback Mike Hughes has been removed from reserve spots due to a hamstring injury.
Key Matchup Details
- Game Date: October 13
- Game Time: 7:15 p.m. ET
- Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium
- Falcons Record: 2-2
- Bills Record: 4-1
Performance Insights
- Falcons’ Rush Defense Ranking: 15th in the league (109.0 rushing yards allowed per game)
- Bills’ Rushing Success Rate: 48.1% (top in the league)
- Falcons’ Rushing Yards per Game Ranking: 6th in the league
Player Updates
- Kaden Elliss: Key defensive player
- A.J. Terrell: Potential return helpful for defense
- Ta’Quon Graham: 21-day practice window opened for return from injured reserve
- Mike Hughes: Removed from reserve list due to a hamstring injury
Context of the Season
The Falcons’ recent win before the bye week has reinvigorated the team as they look ahead to a pivotal game. Maintaining solid performance against strong teams like the Bills is crucial for assessing their potential playoff capabilities.
FAQ
What is the record of the Atlanta Falcons following the bye week?
The Atlanta Falcons have a record of 2-2.
When and where will the Falcons play the Bills?
The game against the Buffalo Bills is set for October 13 at 7:15 p.m. ET at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
What are the current dynamics of the Falcons’ defense?
The Falcons’ defense currently ranks 15th in rushing defense, allowing 109.0 rushing yards per game, and they have the highest blitz rate in the league at nearly 47%.
Who are key players for the Falcons going into the game?
Key players include Kaden Elliss, who is expected to perform strongly on defense, and A.J. Terrell, who might return for this game. Additionally, Ta’Quon Graham has a 21-day practice window for return.
Key Features of Upcoming Matchup
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Game Date | October 13 |
| Kickoff Time | 7:15 p.m. ET |
| Location | Mercedes-Benz Stadium |
| Falcons Record | 2-2 |
| Bills Record | 4-1 |
| Rushing Success Rate (Bills) | 48.1% |
| Falcons’ Rushing Yards per Game Ranking | 6th |
| Falcons’ Rush Defense Ranking | 15th (109.0 rushing yards allowed per game) |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Commanders Fall to Falcons in Nail-Biter
Atlanta Falcons Triumph Over Washington Commanders
Falcons Secure Narrow Victory Over Commanders
Atlanta Falcons Secures Win Against Washington Commanders
Additional Resources
- Atlanta Falcons Mailbag: Bye Week Wrinkles, Buffalo Bills
- Wikipedia: Atlanta Falcons
- Falcons Defense Faces Challenge Against Josh Allen and Bills
- Google Search: Atlanta Falcons
- Falcons’ Darnell Mooney Misses Practice
- Google Scholar: Atlanta Falcons
- Falcons Depth Chart: Week 6 vs. Buffalo Bills
- Encyclopedia Britannica: American football
- Josh Allen and Bills Run Game Set to Test Falcons
- Google News: Atlanta Falcons vs. Buffalo Bills
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
