2026-27 NFL Week 3 - Atlanta vs. Green Bay Preview: Can the Falcons swoop in and steal one against the Packers? September 24, 2026 by Marc Jerbs

Week 3 of the regular season kicks off under the prime-time lights on Thursday night, September 24, at 8:15 PM EDT, as the Atlanta Falcons (0-2) travel to face the Green Bay Packers (1-1) at historic Lambeau Field.

Atlanta enters desperate to avoid an 0-3 hole following a brutal 34-3 blowout loss to Carolina in Week 2, while Green Bay looks to build momentum at home after grinding out a 20-17 overtime victory against the Jets. With major quarterback headlines and injury storylines surrounding both rosters, Thursday Night Football presents a classic cross-conference clash.

Key Storyline: Michael Penix Jr. Makes His Season Debut

The headlining story out of Flowery Branch is at quarterback. After Cooper Rush struggled through the opening fortnight—throwing three interceptions and zero touchdowns in Week 2—the Falcons are handing the keys back to Michael Penix Jr.

Penix is making his first start of 2026 following his full recovery from a 2025 ACL injury.

• The Challenge: Stepping back into live game action on a short week in one of the NFL's most hostile environments.
• The Supporting Cast: Atlanta needs to lean heavily on Bijan Robinson in the run game to take pressure off Penix. Expect quick-rhythm throws to Drake London and Kyle Pitts to establish early confidence against Green Bay's pass rush.

Atlanta vs. Green Bay Sports Bet Odds

The Packers are the favorites to win the game. Here are our latest odds:

• The Packers are favored by 5 points, with a money line of -260.
• The Falcons are the underdogs by 5 points, with a money line of +215.
• The Total is set at 43 points, with the over at -105 and the under at -115.

Tactical Breakdowns

Green Bay Offense vs. Atlanta Defense

Jordan Love leads a Packers offense seeking rhythm, but he will be forced to adjust his target distribution after dynamic wideout Jayden Reed was carted off in Week 2.

• Green Bay's Plan: Look for Romeo Doubs and Christian Watson to step up as primary targets downfield, along with tight end Tucker Kraft in the intermediate zones. On the ground, the Packers must stay patient against an Atlanta front four that has produced sacks in back-to-back games.
• Atlanta's Defensive Crisis: The Falcons suffered a massive blow with star cornerback A.J. Terrell nursing a leg issue. Without Terrell locking down one side, safety Jessie Bates III will need to play deep-third overwatch to prevent Love from taking shots downfield.

Atlanta Offense vs. Green Bay Defense

Atlanta ranks near the bottom of the league in scoring (8.0 PPG) and total yardage through two weeks. The offense has been severely hindered by a league-worst -6 turnover differential.

• Green Bay's Plan: Jeff Hafley's defense will test Penix's processing speed immediately. Green Bay's front—led by Lukas Van Ness and Edgerrin Cooper coming off strong Week 2 performances—will look to force Penix off his spot before he can settle into the pocket.
• Atlanta's Counter: The interior offensive line must control the line of scrimmage to give Bijan Robinson room between the tackles. Establishing the run is non-negotiable for Atlanta to stay out of 3rd-and-long situations.

Head-to-Head History

• All-Time Series: Green Bay holds a narrow 19–17 lead across 36 total meetings since 1966.
• Regular Season Edge: The Packers hold a 17–15 edge in regular season play.
• Playoff Rivalry: The postseason series is deadlocked at 2–2.
• Recent Form: Atlanta has won 6 of the last 10 meetings, including a 25–24 victory in their last matchup on September 17, 2023.
• The Lambeau Advantage: Green Bay has dominated at home, winning 12 of 16 meetings against Atlanta in Wisconsin.

Injury Report

Atlanta Falcons

• CB A.J. Terrell (Leg/Ankle): Did not participate in short-week practices; officially ruled OUT. A massive blow to Atlanta's secondary coverage.
• OT Kaleb McGary (Knee): Questionable; limited participant during Wednesday's walk-through.
• RB Bijan Robinson (Shoulder): Full participant; fully cleared for Thursday night.

Green Bay Packers

• WR Jayden Reed (Neck/Shoulder): Officially ruled OUT after being carted off in Week 2.
• CB Jaire Alexander (Hamstring): Questionable; game-time decision for Green Bay's defense.
• G Elgton Jenkins (Illness/Back): Cleared to play; expected to start on the interior line.

X-Factors

1. Bijan Robinson's Touch Volume: When Atlanta is competitive, Robinson touches the ball 20+ times. If Atlanta falls behind early and Penix has to drop back 40 times on a short week, Green Bay's pass rush will tee off.
2. Lambeau Crowd Noise: Cold weather isn't an issue yet in late September, but silent-count operation on a short week will test Atlanta's offensive line discipline early on.

Final Thought

This Thursday night contest boils down to composure under pressure. While Michael Penix Jr. gives Atlanta a higher explosive ceiling than Cooper Rush, asking him to make his 2026 debut on a short week at Lambeau Field without A.J. Terrell holding down the secondary is an uphill battle. If Green Bay can force early third-and-longs and take away Atlanta's ground attack, Jordan Love and the Packers should control the clock, capitalize on field position, and protect home turf to move to 2-1.

2026-27 Detroit vs. Buffalo Team Stats

ATLANTA FALCONS	VS	GREEN BAY PACKERS
4th NFC South (0-2) Away (0-1) | STRK L2	Standings	4th NFC North (1-1) Home (0-0) | STRK W1
123.5.0	Passing Yards Per Game	244.5
138.5	Rushing Yards Per Game	64.5
8.0	Points Per Game	21.0
239.0	Passing Yards Allowed Per Game	175.0
63.0	Rushing Yards Allowed Per Game	87.0