But it's hard to imagine a more impressive showing on the road than the Dolphins' 34-10 drubbing of the Atlanta Falcons. Granted, it was against a team without its starting quarterback, Michael Penix Jr.

With Cousins making his first start and London out, it adds pressure on running back Bijan Robinson, who the Falcons could rely on heavily in the running and passing games. Tight end Kyle Pitts has caught 30 passes for 285 yards and a touchdown as well.

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler and Matt Bowen broke down the top 25 trade candidates ahead of the deadline and two Falcons players were listed among them. One of the players mentioned was edge rusher Arnold Ebiketie. The former second-round pick is in the final year of his contract and the team invested heavily at the edge position in the draft.

The Atlanta Falcons take on the Buffalo Bills on Monday Night Football, and ESPN's weekly panel of analysts is unanimous in their pick of a winner.

ESPN's Mina Kimes praises the Falcons defensive rise, spotlighting their pass-rush, linebackers and the impact on their 3-2 record.

Cousins, who signed a four-year, $180 million contract with the Falcons last year in free agency, hasn't started a game since Week 15 of the 2024 season. The Falcons got off to a 6-3 start with Cousins under center last season, but things fell apart during the second half.

A knee injury to Michael Penix Jr. has Kirk Cousins on track to make his first start of the 2025 season for the Atlanta Falcons.

Kirk Cousins is “highly likely” to make his first start for the Falcons on Sunday since getting benched in a December 2024 game.

Kirk Cousins is “highly likely” to start the Atlanta Falcons' game against the visiting Miami Dolphins on Sunday as fellow quarterback Michael Penix recovers from a bone bruise to his left knee, ESPN reported on Saturday.

The Falcons drafted Xavier Watts in the third round (96th overall) out of Notre Dame, and he has been a steal of a pickup. In six professional games, he has recorded 37 total tackles (23 solo, 14 assisted), four passes defended and two interceptions. He was named the NFC Defensive Rookie of the Month for his stellar play.