Week 4 Keys to the Game – Washington Commanders at Atlanta Falcons

By: Sam Myer 9/25/25

The Washington Commanders travel to Atlanta for their first of two straight road games, while the Falcons return home after two straight weeks on the road. Home will be a welcome sight for Atlanta’s offense after two straight struggles in Minnesota and Carolina. Washington will look to improve on their first road performance when they got dominated in Green Bay on Thursday Night Football two weeks ago. Washington has injuries all over their offense and defense at key positions with four players exiting their week four game due to injury. Atlanta is looking to bounce back from an embarrassing loss against the Panthers, where they were shut out for the first time since 2021.

Washington Commanders Keys to the Game

-            Stick to the run

o   The Washington running attack has been one of the best in the league to start the season and it is without a doubt the engine of this offense.

-            Put consistent pressure on Michael Penix

o   Penix was flustered throughout the Falcons week three game against the Panthers due to consistent pressure from the Panthers defensive line.

-            Force the passing game underneath and in the flats

o   If Washington keeps Penix under pressure, they can keep everything in front of them in the passing game.

Atlanta Falcons Keys to the Game

-            Don’t allow the Washington running backs to break tackles

o   If Atlanta can contain the Washington running game, they’ll be forced to lean an unproven room of wide receivers

-            Get Bijan Robinson in space

o   Frankie Luvu and Bobby Wagner will have their hands full with Bijan, but his speed and elusiveness are likely too much for Washington’s linebackers.

-             Keep the Washington passing game underneath

o   Terry McLaurin is unlikely to play in Sunday’s game and outside of him there is no one who can stretch the field as a receiving option.

Key Matchup to Watch

-            Bijan Robinson vs. Bobby Wagner

o   Bobby Wagner is off to a hot start in his 14^th season with 32 tackles (14 solo) through three games. He has twice as many tackles as Frankie Luvu (16), who has the second most on the Commanders. While he has the best vision of any linebacker in the league, he’ll face his toughest test yet this season with Bijan Robinson. Bijan currently leads the Falcons in both rushing and receiving yards with over 400 all-purpose yards through three games. He’s had 61 touches so far this season and can be expected to get another 20 touches against Washington.

Key Players

-            Washington Commanders

o   Jeremy Reaves – Reaves will be stepping in for an injured Will Harris and will look to bring his hard-hitting attitude to the Commanders secondary.

o   Dorance Armstrong – Off to the best start of his career, Armstrong will look to continue his sack streak and put Atlanta’s offensive line on their heels

o   Jaylin Lane – Lane scored his first NFL touchdown in week four with a 90-yard punt return, but will have an incredible opportunity to step up if McLaurin and Brown aren’t active against the Falcons.

-            Atlanta Falcons

o   Elijah Wilkenson – Wilkenson has struggled to begin the season and will likely see a lot of Dorance Armstrong who has three sacks in three games this year.

o   Drake London – Washington has given up plenty of big plays in the pass game this year and a big reception could turn the tide for Atlanta’s offense.

o   Kaden Eliss – Atlanta’s leading tackler could make a big impact in the run game which would change Washington’s offensive strategy.

Matchup Prediction

Score Prediction – Washington Commanders 24 Atlanta Falcons 18

-            These two teams are coming off completely opposite performances in week three and this will show on Sunday. Washington dominated on all three phases against the Raiders despite being short-handed at almost every position. On the other hand, Atlanta was shut out by the Panthers for the first time since 2021 as Michael Penix struggled throughout the game. Despite all their injuries, Washington is playing as a complete team with contributions up and down the roster. This depth will allow them to get the victory in week four against the Falcons.