Falcons vs. Lions NFL Week 3: Free Live Stream Online – Time, TV, Channel

The Atlanta Falcons and the Detroit Lions will face off in a potentially pivotal game at Ford Field. Both teams have a chance to improve their chances of making the playoffs. The Falcons have been impressed with rookie running back Bijan Robinson, while the Lions have eased their rookie running back Jahmyr Gibbs into the season. The Falcons have shown strength in closing out games, and cornerback Jeff Okudah may make his debut against his former team.

The Atlanta Falcons, led by their quarterback Desmond Ridder, are set to face off against the Detroit Lions, led by quarterback Jared Goff, in an upcoming regular season game on Sunday, September 24, 2023 at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan.

Both teams have had a recent history of struggling to make it to the postseason. The Lions have not made it past the regular season since 2016, while the Falcons' last playoff appearance was in 2017. These streaks of futility rank among the longest in the NFL, with the New York Jets holding the record with a 12-year playoff drought.

This Sunday's game between the Lions, who currently have a 1-1 record, and the Falcons, who are undefeated at 2-0, could prove to be a crucial matchup. While it may seem too early in the season to predict playoff chances, history has shown that early success can often indicate a team's likelihood of making it to the postseason.

In fact, all six teams that started the previous season with a 2-0 record went on to make the playoffs, and since 1990, 64% of teams that began the season with a 2-0 record have made it to the postseason. On the other hand, 42% of teams with a 1-1 record over the past 23 years have earned a spot in the playoffs.

Teams that start the season with a 3-0 record have an even higher chance of making the playoffs, with three-fourths of them advancing to the postseason since the league expanded to 12 teams in 1990. Conversely, only 25% of teams that were 1-2 after three games were able to rally and secure a playoff spot.

The Lions' center, Frank Ragnow, emphasized the team's mindset of approaching every game as a must-win, especially after a slow start to the previous season. This mentality will be crucial as they face the Falcons on Sunday.

The Falcons have received some criticism for their decision to select a running back, Bijan Robinson, with the eighth overall pick in the NFL draft. However, Robinson has quickly silenced his critics with an impressive start to his rookie season. He has become only the second rookie in Falcons' franchise history to reach 200 yards from scrimmage in his first two games, joining William Andrews in 1979. Robinson has showcased his versatility by lining up all over the field, averaging 6.2 yards per carry and contributing 10 receptions for 75 yards and a touchdown.

The Lions had the opportunity to draft Robinson with the sixth overall pick but instead traded down and selected Jahmyr Gibbs out of Alabama. Gibbs has had a more limited role in the team's first two games, but with starting running back David Montgomery nursing a thigh bruise, Gibbs will have a chance to prove himself. He has shown promise with 14 carries for 59 yards and nine receptions for 57 yards.

The Falcons have been particularly strong in closing out games, outscoring their opponents 27-0 in the fourth quarter of their first two games. Their defense has been dominant, allowing just 55 yards and completing only 5 of 20 passes in the final quarter. This speaks to the team's conditioning and determination to finish games strong, as noted by Atlanta coach Arthur Smith. Offensive tackle Penei Sewell emphasized the need for the team to maintain the same mindset they had in the previous season and not get carried away with early success.

In an interesting twist, Falcons cornerback Jeff Okudah may make his debut against the team that originally drafted him, the Lions. Okudah missed the first two games of the season due to a foot injury but was a full participant in practice on Wednesday. Detroit selected Okudah with the third overall pick in the 2020 draft, but injuries and underperformance led to his trade to the Falcons for a fifth-round pick. Falcons coach Arthur Smith expressed confidence in Okudah's current state.

In conclusion, the upcoming game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Detroit Lions holds significant importance for both teams. The Lions will be looking to end their playoff drought, while the Falcons aim to continue their strong start to the season. The performance in this game could provide valuable insights into each team's playoff chances.