Statistical breakdown: How the Commanders and Falcons stack up ahead of Week 6 game

The Washington Commanders (2-3) meet the Atlanta Falcons (3-2) on Sunday in a matchup that could be critical to each team’s playoff hopes later this season.

The Commanders are hoping to snap a three-game losing streak. The Falcons snapped a two-game losing streak in Week 5 with a come-from-behind win over the Houston Texans.

As we look ahead to the Falcons, their numbers look similar to Washington’s. Atlanta’s running game was expected to be one of the NFL’s best heading into 2023 but lands just outside the top 10. Washington’s defense was supposed to be one of the best, but the Commanders are next to last in scoring defense.

Here’s how these two NFC rivals stack up statistically ahead of Week 6.

 

Scoring Offense

Washington Commanders wide receiver Curtis Samuel (4) scores a touchdown against the Chicago Bears during the second half at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Commanders: T-17th, 21.8 PPG

Falcons: T-27th, 16.6 PPG

Passing Offense

Sam Howell #14 of the Washington Commanders. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)

Commanders:12th, 232.8 YPG

Falcons: 23rd, 195.2 YPG

Rushing Offense

Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson (7) runs for a touchdown. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Commanders: 24th, 91.0 YPG

Falcons: 13th, 121.6 YPG

Total Offense

Terry McLaurin (AP Photo/John Bazemore)

Commanders: 18th, 323.8 YPG

Falcons: 20th, 316.8 YPG

Scoring Defense

Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet (85) celebrates after catching a touchdown pass against the Washington Commanders. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Commanders: 31st, 32.0 PPG

Falcons: 10th, 19.2 PPG

Pass Defense

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown (11) catches a touchdown pass past Washington Commanders cornerback Emmanuel Forbes (13). Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Commanders: 21st, 238.6 YPG

Falcons: 7th, 190.8 YPG

Run Defense

Josh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Bills runs in for a touchdown during the fourth quarter of a game against the Washington Commanders. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)

Commanders: 24th, 133.6 YPG

Falcons: 15th, 104.4 YPG

Total Defense

Washington Commanders defensive end Chase Young (99) celebrates his sack against the Philadelphia Eagles. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Commanders: 25th, 372.2 YPG

Falcons: 7th, 295.2 YPG

Penalties

A penalty flag rests on the field. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

Commanders: 6th, 40.4 YPG

Falcons: 25th, 56.4 YPG

Turnover Margin

Sam Howell #14 of the Washington Commanders throws an interception during the third quarter of a game against the Buffalo Bills. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)

Commanders: -5

Falcons: -3

3rd-down defense

Jonathan Allen #93 of the Washington Commanders warms up before the game against the Philadelphia Eagles. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

Commanders: 20th, 41.18%

Falcons: 5th, 32.81%