The key for the Atlanta Falcons isn't Penix Jr.'s performance. It's establishing the running game with Bijan Robinson and then shifting the rhythm to the zone schemes for Tyler Allgier to get going downhill. Washington has been weak against the run all year, the Achilles heel of their defense.

The stakes are high for a "Sunday Night Football" tilt featuring the Atlanta Falcons (8-7) and the Washington Commanders (10-5). Michael Penix had a nice debut with a victory − and it certainly helped it came against the awful New York Giants.

Week 17’s Sunday Night Football matchup between the Atlanta Falcons and Washington Commanders has become a crucial game in the NFC playoff picture. So much so that the NFL flexed that game to Sunday night.