Falcons vs Ravens: Week 5 NFL Preview
The Atlanta Falcons host the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, October 11, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in a Week 5 matchup of the 2026 NFL regular season. The game is part of Sunday Night Football and features two teams looking to strengthen their position early in the season.
Baltimore enters the matchup with a 3-1 record, while Atlanta is 2-2. The biggest storyline is the absence of Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, who has been ruled out with an ankle injury. Tyler Huntley is expected to start in his place.
Baltimore Ravens: Adjusting Without Lamar Jackson
The Ravens must change their offensive approach without their starting quarterback. Before the injury, Jackson had thrown for 967 yards and six touchdowns while completing 70.8% of his passes during the opening weeks of the season.
Tyler Huntley will take over under center. His familiarity with Baltimore's offensive system and previous experience with the team will be valuable in a challenging road environment. The Ravens will need to protect him and avoid becoming overly dependent on the passing game.
Running back Derrick Henry will be central to Baltimore's plan. He has recorded 374 rushing yards and seven rushing touchdowns this season. His ability to gain yards after contact could help the Ravens control possession and take pressure off Huntley.
Wide receiver Zay Flowers is listed as questionable with a foot injury. His availability and effectiveness will be worth watching as Baltimore looks for reliable options in the passing game.
Atlanta Falcons: Building on Recent Wins
Atlanta enters the matchup after securing important victories against Green Bay and New Orleans. Michael Penix Jr.'s return to the lineup has helped the offense find better balance, while Bijan Robinson and Brian Robinson have contributed on the ground and around the goal line.
Bijan Robinson is one of Atlanta's most versatile offensive players, capable of creating production as both a runner and receiver. Brian Robinson adds another option in the rushing attack and can help the Falcons sustain drives.
Atlanta's defense faces a major challenge against Derrick Henry. The Falcons have been particularly effective against the run during the first four weeks, but they will need to remain disciplined and prevent Baltimore from controlling the game through extended rushing drives.
In the passing game, Penix will look for opportunities to connect with Drake London and other receivers. Atlanta must protect the football and turn its offensive possessions into points.
Key Matchup Factors
Baltimore's ability to operate without Lamar Jackson will be the biggest factor. Henry can carry a substantial workload, but Huntley will also need to complete timely passes to prevent Atlanta from focusing exclusively on stopping the run.
The Falcons, meanwhile, will try to contain Henry without leaving other offensive options open. If Atlanta can force Baltimore into obvious passing situations, it may have opportunities to pressure Huntley and create turnovers.
Possession and situational execution could also determine the game. Baltimore will want to sustain drives and limit Atlanta's opportunities, while the Falcons will look to capitalize on home-field advantage and convert scoring chances.
Recent History Between the Ravens and Falcons
Baltimore leads the all-time series against Atlanta, five wins to two, and has won the three most recent meetings. The Falcons will try to reverse that trend in front of their home crowd, while the Ravens aim to extend their recent success despite being without their starting quarterback.
How to Watch Falcons vs Ravens in the USA
The game is scheduled for Sunday, October 11, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. NBC will carry the national broadcast, with streaming options available through Peacock and NFL+ subject to location and subscription requirements.
Matchup: Baltimore Ravens at Atlanta Falcons
Week: 5, 2026 NFL regular season
Date: Sunday, October 11, 2026
Kickoff: 5:20 p.m. PT / 7:20 p.m. CT / 8:20 p.m. ET
Stadium: Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
USA TV: NBC
Streaming: Peacock and NFL+; availability depends on your location and subscription.
A Sunday Night Football Matchup to Watch
Atlanta will look to make the most of its home-field advantage and the absence of Lamar Jackson. Baltimore will try to show that it can remain productive with Tyler Huntley at quarterback. The battle between Derrick Henry and Atlanta's run defense stands out as one of the game's most compelling storylines.