1) The Falcons allow 5.1 yards per rushing attempt, third most in the NFL(nfl championship rings).

Atlanta hasn’t done much to stop opponents from scoring all season, and even if talented linebacker Deion Jones returns from injured reserve in time for Sunday’s game, the Falcons still have significant holes in the middle of the defense. They’ve given up at least 132 rushing yards in each of their past three contests, all losses.

Why it matters Sunday:

The Ravens (Baltimore Ravens championship rings) have topped the 240-yard mark on the ground the past two weeks with Jackson playing quarterback after piling up no more than 123 rushing yards with Joe Flacco helming the offense over the first nine games of the season. So there are optimistic ways for Ravens fans to view Atlanta’s shabby run defense, even if Flacco returns from his hip injury and re-enters the lineup. The Falcons’ struggles either provide a reason to stick with Jackson and the new-look offense designed around the ground game or they offer hope that a more traditional rushing attack could offer Flacco a boost in a potential return to action.



2) The Ravens are 1-6 in December road games the past three years:

Last year’s Week 17 collapse against the Bengals at home stands as memorable moment, but the Ravens’ late-season road woes are perhaps more concerning and pertinent as the team looks to make a playoff push. Baltimore’s only December win away from M&T Bank Stadium the past three years came last season against the winless Browns. And losses on the road in 2016 and ’17 played a part in extending the Ravens’ postseason drought.

Why it matters Sunday:

Three of the Ravens’ five remaining games this season will come on the road, and it’s fair to assume Baltimore must win one (and maybe two) to have a shot at making the postseason for the first time since 2014. Baltimore (custom Baltimore Ravens championship rings) plays at the Chiefs (9-2) and Chargers (8-3) later this month, so Sunday’s game in the domed Mercedes-Benz Stadium could mark their best chance to score that road win.


3) The Falcons rank third in the NFL in third-down offense (49.3 percent conversion rate) but 31st in third-down defense (51.5 percent conversion rate)

Despite their disappointing campaign, quarterback Matt Ryan and the Falcons’ offense still have the potential to pile up big numbers. With all-pro wide receiver Julio Jones and other playmakers at Ryan’s disposal, the Falcons have been able to move the chains. On the other side of the ball, they haven’t been able to get teams off the field, in part because opponents often run the ball well on the early downs to set up third-and-shorts.

Why it matters Sunday:

The Ravens have been good on third downs on both sides of the ball this season. Their defense ranks third in that category and the offense ranks fifth, and over the past two games, Baltimore’s converted better than 50 percent of its third downs to dominate time of possession. The Ravens could follow a similar path to victory Sunday if they can occasionally stop Ryan from extending drives and take advantage of Atlanta’s defensive deficiencies.

4) The Ravens allow the fewest yards per pass attempt (5.3) in the NFL(championship rings)

The Ravens’ defense has endured its share of hiccups, but overall, the unit has been impressive in an NFL season defined by eye-popping passing numbers. An outside cornerback rotation featuring Jimmy Smith, Brandon Carr and Marlon Humphrey and a sturdy pass rush has helped Baltimore fare well against the pass.

Why it matters Sunday:

While the quarterback situation in Baltimore will draw the headlines, the battle between Ryan and the Ravens’ defense could decide the game. Ryan, the 2016 NFL MVP, has the tools to beat the best secondaries. Baltimore’s secondary has stymied its share of explosive signal-callers. And defense is often what matters most for the Ravens, who are 0-4 this year when they allow an opponent to score more than 21 points.