Falcons vs Packers: Preview, Prediction, Odds, Injuries

Atlanta’s pass rush vs. Green Bay’s depleted offensive line. Green Bay is missing running back Josh Jacobs and dealing with injuries to right tackle Zach Bako-Bewele and guard Aaron Banks, according to NBC Sports’ betting coverage.

That’s exactly the kind of opening Atlanta’s defensive front needs against a division rival most expect the Packers to control. If Atlanta’s pass rush can consistently disrupt Jordan Love behind a patched-together line, Green Bay’s home opener could get uncomfortable fast.

It could happen regardless of how the Falcons’ own new-look quarterback situation shakes out on the other side of the ball.

Falcons vs Packers Players to Watch

Michael Penix Jr. (QB, Falcons): Making his first start since tearing his ACL last November, Penix threw 9 touchdowns against just 3 interceptions in nine starts last season and actually led the NFL in lowest interception rate when he did throw.

If he strips out his two worst outings from that stretch, Atlanta averaged 22.5 points per game with him under center — identical to their output with Kirk Cousins, per NBC Sports’ quarterback breakdown.

Jordan Love (QB, Packers): With Green Bay’s run game and receiving corps both shorthanded, Love may be asked to do more through the air than the Packers ideally want in their home opener.

Drake London (WR, Falcons): Atlanta’s clear WR1 and the most likely target to benefit immediately from Penix’s downfield accuracy and arm talent.

Jayden Reed (WR, Packers): Dealing with an injury that has him on Green Bay’s list alongside three linemen — his availability materially changes how much Green Bay can threaten downfield if Atlanta’s pass rush gets home early.

Falcons vs Packers Injury Report

Last updated September 22, 2026 — check for game-day changes.

Atlanta Falcons

• OUT (IR): CB A.J. Terrell (groin) — Atlanta signed DL Zach Harrison in a corresponding roster move
• QUESTIONABLE: QB Tua Tagovailoa (oblique — did not log a practice last week), DE Samson Ebukam, OT Jawaan Taylor, DT Brandon Dorlus
• CONFIRMED STARTER: QB Michael Penix Jr. (knee) — full practice participant, officially named the Week 3 starter

Green Bay Packers

• OUT/QUESTIONABLE: RB Josh Jacobs, WR Jayden Reed, OT Zach Bako-Bewele, G Aaron Banks, C Donovan Jennings

Terrell’s move to IR is a real blow to Atlanta’s secondary depth on short notice, while Green Bay’s line and skill-position injuries are collectively significant enough that the Packers enter their home opener without a fully healthy offense of their own.

Falcons vs Packers Odds

Checked September 22, 2026 — lines move, confirm at your sportsbook before betting.

Both numbers moved for real reasons: the spread tightened after Penix was confirmed as Atlanta’s starter, giving the Falcons a real quarterback for the first time all season, according to NBC Sports.

The total dropped after Green Bay managed only 20 points and Atlanta just 3 in Week 2, suggesting the market expects a lower-scoring game than originally projected regardless of who’s under center.

Falcons vs Packers Prediction

Why the Packers win: Green Bay is at home for the first time all season, and even a shorthanded Love-led offense should be able to do enough against an Atlanta defense that, while opportunistic, hasn’t faced a passer of Love’s caliber yet this year.

Why the Falcons could cover — or even win: Penix gives Atlanta a competent quarterback for the first time this season, and Green Bay’s offensive line injuries hand Atlanta’s pass rush a real opportunity to control the game’s tempo.

Atlanta is also a legitimate long shot in what remains a weak NFC South — an upset here wouldn’t be a fluke so much as a reflection of how unsettled Green Bay’s offensive personnel currently is.

Our prediction: Packers 23, Falcons 20. Home field and Green Bay’s overall talent edge should be enough, but Penix’s return combined with Atlanta’s pass rush against a banged-up Packers line makes this considerably closer than a 6-point spread suggests on paper.

What Time Is Falcons vs Packers?

Date: Thursday, September 24, 2026 Time: 8:15 p.m. ET / 7:15 p.m. CT Location: Lambeau Field, Green Bay, WI

Where To Watch Falcons vs Packers

Streaming: Prime Video (Amazon)

Falcons vs Packers is the kind of Thursday night game where the spread reflects Green Bay’s overall talent gap more than the current health of either roster.

End Of My Falcons vs Packers Rant

Penix’s return is the story that actually matters here — Atlanta hasn’t had a competent quarterback on the field all season, and Green Bay’s own injury situation on the offensive line gives the Falcons’ pass rush a real path to making this competitive. Expect Green Bay to survive its home opener, but not comfortably.