Falcons vs. Redskins: Complete game preview

Oct 4, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) talks to wide receiver Julio Jones (11) on the field prior to the game against the Houston Texans at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

What to watch

Can the Falcons stop the No. 1 rushing offense?

When the Redskins’ ground game has success, so does the whole team. Matt Jones and Alfred Morris have caused a lot of a problems for defenses this season, and you can be certain they are going to commit to the ground game inside the Georgia Dome on Sunday. For Atlanta, stopping the run will win the game. Put the game in the hands of Kirk Cousins.

Is Julio Jones healthy?

Julio Jones has been dealing with some nagging injuries of late, and is officially listed as questionable for this game with hamstring and toe injuries. I’m sure he will suit up, but how healthy will he be? What you don’t want is to play a below-100 percent Jones and need to rely on him consistently throughout the game.

The best situation would be to establish the run early and maybe use Julio as a decoy to keep defenses honest. He needs to avoid long-term injury.

Can the Falcons move the ball on the ground?

Not only can the Redskins run the football, but they can stop the run too. Washington owns the No. 2 run defense in the league, but Atlanta needs to be able to move the ball on the ground.

The Falcons’ run blocking has been excellent this season, and Devonta Freeman has been unstoppable in the past two weeks with seven rushing touchdowns. Tevin Coleman is expected to be back after missing two games with a ribs injury. Establishing the run is crucial to prevent the offense becoming one-dimensional.

Next: Who to watch?