Falcons at Redskins -- Week 5

Where: FedEx Field, Landover, Md., (grass, outdoors)

When: Sunday, 1 p.m. ET (Fox)

Spread: Falcons by 3

Records: Redskins (Overall: 2-2; NFC East: 0-0); Saints (Overall: 4-0: NFC South: 0-1)

Past results: Two most recent meetings -- Nov. 8, 2009: Falcons 31, Redskins 17; Dec. 3, 2006: Falcons 24, Redskins 14. Series record: Redskins lead 14-6-1.

What matters: The Redskins’ defense continues to give up big plays. Washington has allowed 20 plays of 20 yards or more, third-worst in the NFL, and the Redskins are facing one of the NFL’s best passing attacks in the Falcons. The problem isn’t just the secondary. Though teams often throw quickly on Washington, that doesn’t always explain the lack of a rush. The Redskins have three sacks the past two games combined despite 66 pass attempts -- and have hit the quarterback on only seven other occasions.

Who matters: Rookie QB Robert Griffin III matters in every game. But in this one, ILB London Fletcher carries a huge role. The Falcons will test the Redskins on the ground with RB Michael Turner, who will come right at Fletcher, and through the air with TE Tony Gonzalez. Fletcher is only 5-10 and gives away seven inches. He won’t be responsible for Gonzalez alone, but he is their best cover linebacker. He had terrific coverage against New Orleans TE Jimmy Graham in the opener yet still allowed a touchdown and another big catch because of a perfect throw and catch.

Key matchups: Redskins OTs Trent Williams and Tyler Polumbus vs. Falcons DE John Abraham. The Falcons move him around quite a bit so both tackles will face him. Polumbus will have issues with his speed. Redskins CBs DeAngelo Hall and Josh Wilson vs. Falcons WRs Roddy White and Julio Jones. The secondary has given up big play after big play. Both corners need more safety help than they’re receiving.

Injuries of note: SS Brandon Meriweather is out after reinjuring his left knee in a pregame collision on Sunday in Tampa Bay. CB Cedric Griffin hasn’t practiced in two weeks with a hamstring injury and is not expected to play. Everyone else is expected to be available.

Inside stuff: One major change from last season which can also be attributed to Griffin is the Redskins’ success in the red zone. Griffin’s ability to run has helped a great deal, which isn’t a surprise considering how many times this summer they practiced a variety of runs with him from inside the 20-yard line. He’s run for four touchdowns in the red zone while throwing for two touchdowns. That’s a big reason why they are tied for second in red zone success with 10 touchdowns in 15 trips for a 66.7 success rate. Compare that to last year when they scored touchdowns on 41.2 percent of their trips.

Connections: CB DeAngelo Hall played for Atlanta from 2004-07. Atlanta’s defensive coordinator Mike Nolan served in the same role with Washington from 1997-99. Nolan worked with Redskins coach Mike Shanahan for parts of four seasons in Denver under then-coach Dan Reeves.

Stat you should know: The Redskins are tied with San Francisco for most runs of 10 yards or more with 23. The Falcons allow 5.2 yards per carry.

Looking ahead: The Redskins continue to move toward the difficult part of their schedule with surprising Minnesota up next followed by road games at the New York Giants, whom they swept last season, and Pittsburgh.

Prediction: Falcons 30, Redskins 28

John Keim covers the Redskins for the Washington Examiner. Follow him on Twitter @CBSRedskins or @John_Keim.