The Atlanta Falcons will start Michael Penix Jr. at quarterback as they take on the New Orleans Saints in Monday Night Football at the Caesars Superdome. Penix’s return in Week 3 sparked a 23-17 win over the Green Bay Packers, marking the Falcons’ first victory this season. He completed 18 of 25 passes for 256 yards, throwing one touchdown and one interception in his first action of 2026.
With Penix back, the Falcons’ offense found momentum. Running back Bijan Robinson gained over 200 scrimmage yards in the win, while wide receiver Drake London produced a breakout performance with 194 receiving yards. These contributions helped Atlanta improve their record to 1-2, tying them with the Saints in second place in the NFC South. The winner on Monday will move into a tie for first place with the Carolina Panthers, who currently hold the tiebreaker over Atlanta.
The Falcons’ Week 4 starting lineup reflects the boost Penix’s return has given the offense. The receiving corps features London alongside Jahan Dotson and Olamide Zaccheaus. The tight end group includes Kyle Pitts and Charlie Woerner. The offensive line remains anchored by Jake Matthews at left tackle, with Matthew Bergeron at left guard, Ryan Neuzil at center, Chris Lindstrom at right guard, and Jawaan Taylor at right tackle.
Defensively, Atlanta will start Cameron Thomas and Brandon Dorlus at defensive end, with Maason Smith and LaCale London on the interior line. Linebacker Divine Deablo is listed as questionable for the game, joining Samson Ebukam in limited status, but Kendal Daniels is set to start at inside linebacker. The secondary features cornerbacks CJ Henderson and Mike Hughes, nickel back Avieon Terrell, and safeties Jessie Bates III and Xavier Watts.
On special teams, Nick Folk handles kicking duties, with Jake Bailey punting and Liam Mccullough as the long snapper. Brian Robinson will return kicks, while Zachariah Branch takes care of punt returns.
Monday’s game kicks off at 8:15 p.m. ET and will be broadcast nationally on ESPN. Both teams have struggled to find consistency through the first three weeks, making this NFC South clash a crucial opportunity to gain ground in the division. The Falcons, riding the momentum from Penix’s return and the strong performances from Robinson and London, will look to build on their Week 3 success on the road in New Orleans.
According to Yahoo Sports.
