Each NFL team’s most important game in 2019

Atlanta Falcons: Week 2 vs. Philadelphia Eagles

The battle of the Birds – at least when it comes to the Atlanta Falcons and Philadelphia Eagles – has been a one-sided series as of late. Then again, this has been a series of streaks when it comes to this setting the last 10-plus years.

From 2006-10, the team from the City of Brotherly Love prevailed in four consecutive meetings. That was followed by three straight victories by the Falcons from 2011-15. But each of the past three seasons, including a playoff encounter in ‘17, the Eagles have managed to come away with a win over Dan Quinn’s squad. A year ago in the NFL’s Thursday night opener, Doug Pederson’s club held off Atlanta, 18-12.

In each instance, Philadelphia has limited the Falcons to 15 points or less. Of course, it’s also worth noting that each of those contests took place in the City of Brotherly Love. And in the last two contests, including a 15-10 setback in the ’17 NFC Divisional Playoffs, quarterback Matt Ryan and company had opportunities to grab a win late in the game only to fail inside the Eagles’ 10-yard-line.

It is worth noting that the Falcons don’t face their first NFC South opponent until Week 10, when a visit to New Orleans will be the first of five straight games vs. divisional rivals. But this Sunday night clash against a team that has given the Quinn’s club fits the last few years could be an indicator of things to come.

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