Atlanta Falcons vs. Washington Commanders Preview

What does Week 4 of the NFL Season hold for the Falcons and the Commanders?  Here is the  Falcons vs. Commanders 2025 Preview. Week 4 of the 2025 NFL season brings us a contentious game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Washington Commanders. If you’re into contrasting styles and a bit of chaos (what football fan isn’t?), this game has all the ingredients to keep you glued to your screen.

According to the predictions swirling around, Atlanta seems to be carrying the edge—sporting home-field advantage and, importantly, a ground game that could turn into a runaway freight train.

But don’t count out the Commanders just yet. Their defense still has playmakers who can change the course of a game faster than someone rage-quitting Madden. This game isn’t just about who wants it more; it’s about execution under the weight of injuries and exploiting mismatches. Buckle up as we break it all down—injuries, strengths, weaknesses, and more.

Injury Reports

Before we dig into the X’s and O’s, it’s worth noting which players are hobbling their way into this matchup.

Falcons Injury Report

Atlanta’s injury list isn’t short, and it includes some key contributors. Cornerback A.J. Terrell is dealing with a hamstring injury and did not participate in practice. Wide Receiver KhaDarel Hodge and Running Back Nate Carter also missed practice with groin and hamstring issues, respectively.

Tight End Kyle Pitts was limited due to a toe injury, while several others—including Jamal Agnew (groin), DeMarcco Hellams (hamstring), and James Pearce (groin)—were also limited. The Falcons may need to shuffle their depth chart if these injuries linger into game day.

Commanders Injury Report

Washington’s injury report reads like a full roster. Wide Receiver Terry McLaurin is nursing a quad injury and did not practice—a major red flag for their passing game. Tight Ends John Bates (calf/groin) and Noah Brown (groin/knee) also missed practice, which could thin out their offensive options.

Safety Percy Butler (hip) and Running Back Jacory Croskey-Merritt (knee) were also sidelined. Quarterback Jayden Daniels was limited with a knee issue, though he’s not expected to start. On the bright side, Tight End Colson Yankoff fully participated despite an ankle injury. Several veterans, including Von Miller, Daron Payne, and Laremy Tunsil, were listed as resting, so their status should be monitored, but it isn’t cause for panic just yet. 

Strengths and Weaknesses Breakdown

Now that we’ve covered the walking wounded, let’s talk about what both teams bring to the table—and what might hold them back.

Atlanta Falcons

Strengths:
The Falcons’ biggest strength is undeniably their run game. Even if Bijan Robinson isn’t 100%, Atlanta’s backfield is still stacked, and the offensive line has been mauling defenders all year. Expect the Falcons to pound the rock and then pound it some more. Defensively, their front seven has been quietly solid, and Grady Jarrett remains a force in the trenches.

Weaknesses:
Their passing game has been inconsistent, to put it kindly. Michael Penix Jr. has moments of brilliance followed by “What were you thinking?” throws. If Drake London is sidelined or limited, Penix Jr. might find himself searching for targets all game. Plus, without A.J. Terrell at full strength, the secondary could get exposed by a halfway competent passing offense.

Falcons vs Commanders: How It All Matches Up

This game of the Falcons vs Commanders will likely be a chess match—or, more accurately, a demolition derby. Atlanta’s run game will look to wear down Washington’s defensive front, and if Penix Jr. can find some semblance of rhythm in the passing attack, they’ll be tough to stop. Washington, on the other hand, needs to limit big running plays and hope their pass rush can rattle Ridder into mistakes.

On offense, Mariota will need to get the ball out quickly, or he’s going to spend more time staring at the sky than completing passes. If the Commanders can somehow keep Mariota upright and exploit Atlanta’s secondary (if Terrell isn’t 100%), this could turn into a closer game than expected.

Falcons vs Commanders Prediction

For the upcoming game of the Falcons vs the Commanders, the Falcons have the clear edge thanks to their ability to control the game on the ground and the Commanders’ offensive-line woes. While Washington’s defense might steal a few moments, it probably won’t be enough. Final score prediction? Falcons 27, Commanders 17. Grab your popcorn, folks—it’s about to get interesting.