The Falcons host the Bills on Monday Night Football in one of the most anticipated matchups for Atlanta since 2017, the last time the team made the playoffs.

Atlanta finally has reason to believe it can break its postseason drought. The offense is loaded with high-profile stars who are nearly impossible to contain. The defense has taken a major leap from a year ago, thanks in large part to what appears to be one of the better draft classes in franchise history. Most importantly, there are growing signs the Falcons have found their next franchise quarterback in Michael Penix Jr.

The former eighth overall pick is coming off the best performance of his young career, throwing for a career-high 313 yards and two touchdowns in a 34–27 win over the Commanders. The victory evened Atlanta’s record at 2–2 and gives the team a chance to climb above .500 for the first time this season when they face the high-powered Bills in primetime.

This is the kind of game that could convince everyone the Falcons have taken the next step toward contention. So, how can they make sure that happens on Monday night?

Discipline, Discipline, Discipline

Discipline is the hallmark of well-coached football teams, and well-coached football teams win a lot of games, even when the talent gap isn’t in their favor. The Falcons must play a clean game at home if they want to win, especially on defense.

By nearly every metric, Atlanta’s defense has gone from one of the worst in football to a top-10 unit. The Falcons are the only team in the league that hasn’t allowed 300 total yards in a game this season. Still, it’s worth noting the level of competition. Outside of a Week 1 matchup against the Buccaneers, the Falcons haven’t faced very good offenses. The Bills, on the other hand, are the definition of high-octane, topping 300 yards in every contest so far.

Buffalo doesn’t have a ton of big-name weapons at the skill positions. James Cook is an elite running back, but the wide receivers leave something to be desired. What makes the Bills special is one man — Josh Allen. His ability to create explosive plays off-script — with both his arm and his legs — makes him nearly impossible to contain.

That means the defensive line has to stay disciplined in its rush lanes, and the secondary can’t afford to let their eyes wander when Allen escapes the pocket. Atlanta has the talent to match up with Buffalo, but without discipline, explosive plays will come early and often.

Red Zone Efficiency

This has been a lingering issue for Atlanta, and it’s only gotten worse. Last season, the Falcons ranked 20th in red zone touchdown percentage, converting 54.7% of their trips. That number has dropped nearly 10 points this year to 46.1%, good for just 26th in the league.

It’s simple: the Falcons won’t beat a team like the Bills by settling for field goals. When they get into scoring range, they have to finish drives with touchdowns.

Primetime Penix

For the first time in a while, the Falcons have a defense capable of carrying them. But against elite teams, it still comes down to quarterback play, and that’s where Michael Penix Jr. comes in.

Through four games, Penix has been inconsistent. Against the Buccaneers and Commanders, he looked like a top-10 quarterback. Against the Vikings and Panthers, he looked like a rookie still trying to find his footing.

Atlanta’s success this season ultimately rests on Penix’s shoulders. The supporting cast is in place for this team to make some noise. If Penix can deliver the same version of himself that torched Washington, the Falcons have a great chance to knock off Buffalo on Monday Night Football.