Why the Packers can’t overlook the Falcons in Week 4

The Packers shouldn’t overlook the Falcons in Week 4.

Through three weeks, everything is going good for the Green Bay Packers. Green Bay is tied for first place in the NFC North with the Chicago Bears, as both teams are currently undefeated.

What’s most impressive about the Packers thus far is their offense. Green Bay, in Week 3, scored 37 points without their superstar wide receiver Davante Adams, who was out with a hamstring injury.

In Week 4, the Packers are matched up with the winless Atlanta Falcons. Despite having no wins this season, Atlanta is a tricky matchup for Green Bay. The Packers don’t want to fall victim to a trap game, derailing their current win streak.

Keeping up with the Bears

One reason the Packers cannot overlook the Falcons is they need to keep pace with the Bears in the NFC North. As mentioned earlier, both Green Bay and Chicago are currently undefeated.

Being that the teams don’t play until Week 11, the Packers need to avoid losing to inferior competition early in the season. Distancing themselves from the Bears in the standings before head-to-head matchups is key.

Not to mention, Chicago just named Nick Foles as their starting quarterback. A former Super Bowl MVP, paired with Chicago’s talented defense, could make the Bears a true contender. Week 17 when these two teams meet could determine the NFC North title.

Heading into bye week undefeated, what’s after the bye

The one negative for the Packers thus far is they have an early bye week this season. Green Bay will have their bye in Week 5. Teams prefer a late bye week so they can get rest before a potential playoff push.

Nonetheless, the Packers need to go into their bye undefeated, as they have tough competition afterward. In Week 6, Green Bay is on the road versus the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who are atop the NFC South currently.

Then, three weeks later, Green Bay has to play the San Francisco 49ers. In their two matchups against the 49ers last season, the Packers lost by 23 points per game.

Green Bay must not underestimate Atlanta and head into the bye week with a four-game win streak to open the season.

The Falcons are desperate and dangerous

Despite their 0-3 start, the Falcons still pose a serious threat to the Packers in Week 4. First and foremost, the Falcons offense is very explosive. Matt Ryan currently ranks third in total passing yards on the season.

In addition, Ryan has elite wide receivers to throw to. Calvin Ridley is tied for the league lead in touchdown catches and number two in receiving yards this season. Not to mention, Julio Jones may return from a hamstring injury to face the Packers.

The Packers may find themselves in a shootout on Monday night. Green Bay is the top-scoring offense, averaging 40 points per game. Meanwhile, Atlanta is sixth, averaging 30 points per game.

Finally, the Falcons are a desperate football team right now. They are possibly playing for their season, as falling to 0-4 makes their playoff hopes very slim. Additionally, Atlanta’s head coach Dan Quinn may be coaching for his job after his team collapsed in the previous two weeks.

In order to win, Green Bay needs to maintain the level of focus they had last week against the New Orleans Saints.