Falcons look to rebound in primetime and UGA starts SEC play

Disappointing may be an understatement to describe the Atlanta Falcons' first game of the 2024 NFL season. Now, they'll get a chance to erase those memories with a primetime matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Why it matters: The Falcons opened their season with a flat performance at home and will be 0-2 if they don't figure things out quickly.

---

State of play: Hopes were high for Atlanta after a spending spree this offseason that revamped the offense and brought in much needed defensive talent.

• But after scoring just 10 points last Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers and seeing their $180 million quarterback Kirk Cousins pass for only 19 yards in the second half, worry among the fan base is already apparent.

What's next: The Falcons head to the City of Brotherly Love for a Monday night clash with the Eagles who, two years ago, played in the Super Bowl .

Zoom in: This is Atlanta's first Monday Night Football game since October 2020. They lost that game 30-16 against the Green Bay Packers.

• Including the playoffs, the Falcons have lost four of their past five games against Philly, with three of those losses on the road.

What we're watching: How well Atlanta rebounds. A win Monday night would wonders for confidence amongst fans, a loss could have the city clamoring to see rookie backup quarterback Michael Penix Jr.

• The Eagles are a four point favorite. Kickoff is at 8:15pm on ESPN.

How 'bout those Dawgs?

Georgia's defense has been the early story of the season after their 2-0 start. Photo: Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

UGA has opened the season with two defensively dominating wins as they allowed just a field goal in each of their first two games.

The intrigue: The No.1 ranked Bulldogs start SEC play Saturday at 7:30pm in Lexington against the Kentucky Wildcats.

• UGA hasn't lost to Big Blue since 2009 and as of Thursday the Dawgs were listed as 24 point favorites .

Burnt ends: Georgia Tech takes on the VMI Keydets Saturday in Atlanta at 3:30pm.

• Georgia Southern plays South Carolina State in Statesboro at 6pm, Georgia State hosts upstart Vanderbilt at 7pm and Mercer heads to Chattanooga for a 6pm clash.