Atlanta Falcons vs. Tennessee Titans: Full game preview

Aug 14, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Tennessee Titans running back Bishop Sankey (20) gets tackled by Atlanta Falcons linebacker Joplo Bartu (59) and others in the first quarter of their preseason NFL football game at Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

Why to watch

Can the Atlanta Falcons get back on track after suffering their first loss of the season last week? That’s the importance of this game. Each win takes the Falcons a step closer to the ultimate goal of reaching the playoffs. A sixth win in seven games would put Atlanta in a commanding position.

This is an important three-game stretch for the Falcons. I’m a firm believer that the first three months of the season is about staying in contention, while December is the time to get hot. But imagine for a second a scenario in which Atlanta took an 8-1 record into its Week 10 bye. That’s what is at stake in the next three weeks.

The trip to Tennessee begins a run of games against teams with a combined five wins. The Titans sit at 1-4, the Buccaneers at 2-3 and the 49ers at 2-5. The Falcons will be favored to win all three games, although the trip to San Francisco looks the toughest. But this isn’t the time to take opponents for granted or show any disrespect, this is the time to set the stage for a true postseason push after the bye. That’s when it get serious.

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