The Falcons have several daunting matchups on paper in the first ten weeks of the season. Although they technically only play five playoff games from the previous year, three of the non-playoff opponents are the Ravens, Bengals, and Chiefs. Facing Lamar Jackson, Joe Burrow, and Patrick Mahomes are playoff-caliber matchups. That leaves Kevin Stefanski and Jeff Ulbrich with not much room for error in their quest to bring playoff football back to Atlanta.
Four games stood out as the biggest challenge in the first ten weeks, with home games against Baltimore and Kansas City expected to attract plenty of interest. A primetime battle in Lambeau must be included. The same applies to a home matchup against San Francisco, who could possess the most offensive firepower in the league when healthy. These matchups present plenty of personnel and schematic difficulties. Many fans believe a revamped Ravens’ team poses the most formidable ones.
Despite missing the playoffs, it’s not surprising to see a team with Lamar Jackson viewed as the biggest challenge. The two-time NFL MVP is always capable of taking over a game with his extraordinary skill set. Jesse Minter will bring fresh ideas and defensive strategy to a team in need of a fresh start. As good as the Packers and 49ers are, the Ravens could have a higher ceiling than both of them. The Falcons will have their hands full in Week 5.
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