The Falcons are back from the bye week, well rested, and off to face a semi-familiar opponent in the Miami Dolphins. We of course played the Dolphins in preseason, as we do nearly every year, though this game will have some stark differences. Namely, our starters will be playing.
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It could be easy to look at the Dolphins 1-5 record, paired with their loss to Jacksonville last week in London, and assume this game will be a cakewalk. That wouldn't be a fair assumption since three of those losses the Dolphins were without starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. Throw in the Jaguars game where he was only elevated from IR the day before the game and listed as questionable right up until kick off and you start to understand the loss a little clearer.
Get an inside look at the matchup between the Atlanta Falcons and the New York Jets during Week 5 of 2021.
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts #8 celebrates with tight end Lee Smith #85 after scoring a touchdown against the New York Jets at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England on Sunday, October 10, 2021. (Photo by Chris Lee/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Chris Williamson #29 makes a tackle against the New York Jets at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England on Sunday, October 10, 2021. (Photo by Chris Lee/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 and center Matt Hennessy #61 celebrate after scoring a touchdown against the New York Jets at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England on Sunday, October 10, 2021. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons offensive guard Chris Lindstrom #63 and offensive tackle Jake Matthews #70 celebrate after scoring a touchdown against the New York Jets at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England on Sunday, October 10, 2021. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts #8 catches the ball against the New York Jets at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England on Sunday, October 10, 2021. (Photo by Chris Lee/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #7 kicks a field goal against the New York Jets at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England on Sunday, October 10, 2021. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 and center Matt Hennessy #61 celebrate after scoring a touchdown against the New York Jets at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England on Sunday, October 10, 2021. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts #8 catches the ball against the New York Jets at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England on Sunday, October 10, 2021. (Photo by Chris Lee/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Wayne Gallman #25 runs the ball against the New York Jets at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England on Sunday, October 10, 2021. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Mike Davis #28 runs the ball against the New York Jets at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England on Sunday, October 10, 2021. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Mykal Walker #3 stands on the sidelines while facing the New York Jets at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England on Sunday, October 10, 2021. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Fabian Moreau #22 makes a tackle against the New York Jets at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England on Sunday, October 10, 2021. (Photo by Chris Lee/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Tajae Sharpe #4 catches the ball against the New York Jets at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England on Sunday, October 10, 2021. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts #8 celebrates with tight end Lee Smith #85 after scoring a touchdown against the New York Jets at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England on Sunday, October 10, 2021. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts #8 celebrates with tight end Lee Smith #85 after scoring a touchdown against the New York Jets at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England on Sunday, October 10, 2021. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts #8 catches the ball against the New York Jets at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England on Sunday, October 10, 2021. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #7 celebrates after kicking a field goal against the New York Jets at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England on Sunday, October 10, 2021. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #7 kicks field goal against the New York Jets at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England on Sunday, October 10, 2021. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts #8 celebrates with tight end Hayden Hurst #81 after scoring a touchdown against the New York Jets at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England on Sunday, October 10, 2021. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Hayden Hurst #81scores a touchdown against against the New York Jets at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England on Sunday, October 10, 2021. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Hayden Hurst #81celebrates after scoring a touchdown against against the New York Jets at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England on Sunday, October 10, 2021. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Hayden Hurst #81scores a touchdown against against the New York Jets at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England on Sunday, October 10, 2021. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Atlanta Falcons)
A general view of fans inside the stadium while the Atlanta Falcons face the New York Jets at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England on Sunday, October 10, 2021. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Cordarrelle Patterson #84 catches the ball against the New York Jets at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England on Sunday, October 10, 2021. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 huddles with his team against the New York Jets at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England on Sunday, October 10, 2021. (Photo by Chris Lee/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts #8 runs with the ball against the New York Jets at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England on Sunday, October 10, 2021. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons head coach Arthur Smith makes a call while facingthe New York Jets at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England on Sunday, October 10, 2021. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Atlanta Falcons)
A general view of fans inside the stadium before watching the Atlanta Falcons face the New York Jets at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England on Sunday, October 10, 2021. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts #8 celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the New York Jets at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England on Sunday, October 10, 2021. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Cordarrelle Patterson #84 runs with the ball against the New York Jets at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England on Sunday, October 10, 2021. (Photo by Chris Lee/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 throws the ball against the New York Jets at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England on Sunday, October 10, 2021. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Cordarrelle Patterson #84 runs with the ball against the New York Jets at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England on Sunday, October 10, 2021. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 throws the ball against the New York Jets at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England on Sunday, October 10, 2021. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #7 kicks the ball for a field goal against the New York Jets at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England on Sunday, October 10, 2021. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Atlanta Falcons)
The Atlanta Falcons pick the coin toss before facing the New York Jets at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England on Sunday, October 10, 2021. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Atlanta Falcons)
The Atlanta Falcons prepare to head onto the field before facing the New York Jets at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England on Sunday, October 10, 2021. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 warms up before facing the New York Jets at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England on Sunday, October 10, 2021. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Atlanta Falcons)
A general view of the field before the Atlanta Falcons face the New York Jets at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England on Sunday, October 10, 2021. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Cordarrelle Patterson #84 warms up before facing the New York Jets at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England on Sunday, October 10, 2021. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Atlanta Falcons)
A general view of fans outside the stadium before watching the Atlanta Falcons face the New York Jets at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England on Sunday, October 10, 2021. (Photo by Chris Lee/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 warms up before facing the New York Jets at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England on Sunday, October 10, 2021. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Atlanta Falcons)
Freddie Falcons poses as the Atlanta Falcons face the New York Jets at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England on Sunday, October 10, 2021. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts #8 and tight end Hayden Hurst #81warm up before facing the New York Jets at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England on Sunday, October 10, 2021. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Atlanta Falcons)
A general view of fans outside the stadium before watching the Atlanta Falcons face the New York Jets at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England on Sunday, October 10, 2021. (Photo by Chris Lee/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Caleb Huntley #42 warms up before facing the New York Jets at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England on Sunday, October 10, 2021. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Cordarrelle Patterson #84 warms up before facing the New York Jets at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England on Sunday, October 10, 2021. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Atlanta Falcons)
Fans pose for a photo outside the stadium before watching the Atlanta Falcons face the New York Jets at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England on Sunday, October 10, 2021. (Photo by Chris Lee/Atlanta Falcons)
Fans pose for a photo outside the stadium before watching the Atlanta Falcons face the New York Jets at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England on Sunday, October 10, 2021. (Photo by Chris Lee/Atlanta Falcons)
A general view of the field before the Atlanta Falcons face the New York Jets at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England on Sunday, October 10, 2021. (Photo by Chris Lee/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Deion Jones #45 warms up before facing the New York Jets at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England on Sunday, October 10, 2021. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Atlanta Falcons)
A general view of fans inside the stadium before watching the Atlanta Falcons face the New York Jets at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England on Sunday, October 10, 2021. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta United President Darren Eales, Daniel Levy Chairman of Tottenham Hotspur, and Atlanta Falcons Owner Arthur Blank pose for a photo before facing the New York Jets at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England on Sunday, October 10, 2021. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Mykal Walker #3 warms up before facing the New York Jets at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England on Sunday, October 10, 2021. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Atlanta Falcons)
The Atlanta Falcons stand for the national anthem before facing the New York Jets at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England on Sunday, October 10, 2021. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Christian Blake #13 warms up before facing the New York Jets at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England on Sunday, October 10, 2021. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Atlanta Falcons)
A general view of fans outside the stadium before watching the Atlanta Falcons face the New York Jets at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England on Sunday, October 10, 2021. (Photo by Chris Lee/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts #8 warms up before facing the New York Jets at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England on Sunday, October 10, 2021. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Atlanta Falcons)
A general view of the field while the Atlanta Falcons face the New York Jets at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England on Sunday, October 10, 2021. (Photo by Chris Lee/Atlanta Falcons)
Sunday will mark Matt Ryan's fourth regular season game against the Dolphins, he currently holds a 1-2 record against them. You would have to look back to his second year in the league to find the last win we had against the Dolphins.
All that said the Falcons are in a good position to win on Sunday. Calvin Ridley is back in the fold after missing the Jets game for personal reasons. Russell Gage and Marlon Davidson look to be healthy and ready to go for Sunday. Kyle Pitts had his highly anticipated break out game in London going for 119-yards and adding a touchdown. 'Scoredarrelle' Patterson finding new ways to step up every week. Of course, Ryan leading the charge going for eight touchdowns without a single interception in our last three games.
With all that to look for on Sunday let's take a look at who the experts have picked to win.
*Picks made as of Oct. 21
| Author | Outlet | Pick | 2021 Record |
|---|---|---|
| Jarrett Bell | USA Today | Falcons | 4-1 |
| Matt Bowen | ESPN | Dolphins | 3-2 |
| Gregg Rosenthal | NFL.com | Dolphins | 4-1 |
| Gary Davenport | Bleacher Report | Dolphins | 2-3 |
| Brad Gagnon | Bleacher Report | Dolphins | 4-1 |
| Vinnie Iyer | Sporting News | Falcons | 3-2 |
| Rob Ninkovich | ESPN | Falcons | 2-3 |
| Jason La Confora | CBS Sports | Falcons | 3-2 |
| Pete Prisco | CBS Sports | Falcons | 3-2 |
| Lorenzo Reyes | USA Today | Falcons | 3-2 |
For more complete picks, visit: ESPN, CBS Sports, USA Today, Bleacher Report, and NFL.com
