The Atlanta Falcons put on an electrifying offensive display this past Sunday, as quarterback Matt Ryan threw for 448 yards and outgunned Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints 37-34. Ryan and the offense now have a big game at the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 2, and the question over whether Atlanta is back to being a playoff team and possible Super Bowl contender is back on the table.
The Atlanta Falcons stand on the verge of blowing open the NFC South race before it even begins, with their 4-0 record having built up a three-game cushion and inspiring hopes that this could finally be the year Matt Ryan’s teams translate regular season success into postseason wins. The Washington Redskins have been given new hope with the play of Robert Griffin III, and are at 2-2. The Falcons-Redskins matchup keys TheSportsNotebook’s look at the NFL Week 5 undercard (defined as games not seen much outside the local area, plus the Thursday night game).