Photo via Yahoo Sports

NFL predictions: Can Falcons overcome Ravens on Sunday Night Football?

After starting the 2026 campaign with consecutive losses while managing a meager eight points per contest under Cooper Rush, the Atlanta Falcons completely transformed their offense following a switch to Michael Penix Jr. The team rattled off a dominant 45-24 victory against the New Orleans Saints in Week 4, bringing their scoring average under Penix up to 40 points per game.

Now, the surging squad prepares for a Week 5 Sunday Night Football showdown against the Baltimore Ravens as 3.5-point home favorites, marking the first time all year they enter a matchup favored by oddsmakers.

The upcoming contest features severe injury concerns for Baltimore, as MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson missed multiple practices due to health issues and is widely expected to sit out. That likely leaves veteran backup Tyler Huntley to command a Ravens offensive attack that also faces massive disruptions along the offensive line.

With multiple centers sidelined, rookie Vega Ioane has shifted to the middle, while John Simpson, Andrew Vorhees, and Ronnie Stanley all manage various physical ailments. This leaves a vulnerable Baltimore unit facing an Atlanta squad boasting formidable pass rushers and a top-tier run defense.

Up nextNFL· 24m ago

Todd Bowles took a knee on sideline late in Thursday's game after hit to stomach during celebration