The Atlanta Falcons (6-3, second in the NFC South) will aim to get back to winning ways as they host the Indianapolis Colts (4-5, tied for first in the AFC South) at the Georgia Dome.
Dan Quinn's team had the always refreshing bye week in week 10, but will want to bounce back with a win after losing 17-16 to the struggling San Francisco 49ers in Week 9. Chuck Pagano's team were also out of action in week 10 due to a bye but managed to end the Denver Broncos' undefeated season in Week 9, losing their star quarterback, Andrew Luck, for a month in the process.
Injury Report:
Atlanta: The bye week has been incredibly beneficial to the Falcons as they have just one player ruled out for Sunday's game, safety Robinson Therezie. Three starters are expected to suit up and play after missing some time, providing a gigantic boost to the Falcons defense. William Moore (groin), Justin Durant (calf) and Robert Alford (groin) are all listed as probable ahead of Sunday.
On offense, Matt Ryan gets back another weapon in Leonard Hankerson, who is listed as probable after dealing with a hamstring injury for a few weeks.
Indianapolis: Despite a bye week of their own, the Colts have a few key injuries that could prove pivotal for Sunday's matchup. Safety Mike Adams, who is tied for the league lead in interceptions, has been ruled out with an ankle injury. Wide receiver Phillip Dorsett is out for multiple weeks with an ankle injury of his own, as is quarterback Andrew Luck with a abdominal/kidney issue.
Linebackers D'Qwell Jackson and Nate Irving are expected to play and are listed as probable, while Josh McNary is questionable heading into the weekend.
Key Matchups:
Devonta Freeman - Colts defense: The Colts rank 20th in rush defense this season and face Devonta Freeman, the league leader in rushing touchdowns and third in total rushing yards. Freeman, a breakout star in his second year in the league, is looking to bounce back after a poor game against the 49ers and could be in for a big day if the Falcons can get him the ball in the right areas.
Matt Hasselbeck - Falcons secondary: The 40-year-old veteran is 2-0 in his two starts this season and has the chance to knock off a potential playoff team with a win this week. The 19th ranked pass defense has its flaws and Hasselbeck has plenty of offensive weapons to punish them with through the air.
Julio Jones - Vontae Davis: No matter the ups and downs the Falcons have this season, Julio Jones has continued to shine. Currently second in the league in receiving yards (1029), Jones will be matched up with star cornerback Vontae Davis who has two interceptions on the season. Davis has had his struggles this season and will need to be at his very best to even slow down the superstar wideout.
Two teams hoping to improve their playoff resumés, the Falcons and Colts are loaded with stars and the game should be a close one as we are well into the second half of the season and approaching crunch time. Kickoff is 1:00 pm ET/10:00 am PT.