Falcons Visit Packers as Michael Penix Jr. Returns for Thursday Night Football

The Atlanta Falcons and Green Bay Packers open NFL Week 3 tonight at Lambeau Field, with both teams trying to find some early-season momentum. Green Bay enters at 1-1 after escaping with a 20-17 overtime victory over the New York Jets last weekend. Atlanta is 0-2 and coming off a much more concerning performance, a 34-3 loss to Carolina in which the Falcons struggled to generate offense. Kickoff is scheduled for 8:15 p.m. ET on Prime Video.

Michael Penix Jr. Returns for Atlanta

The biggest storyline is the return of Michael Penix Jr. Atlanta has named Penix its starting quarterback after he missed the first two games while completing his recovery from the knee injury that ended his 2025 season. He was a full participant throughout this week’s practice report and will make his first start in roughly 10 months.

Green Bay Inconsistent to Start Season

Green Bay counters with Jordan Love, who has experienced an uneven start. Love threw for 387 yards and two touchdowns in the opener but managed only 145 passing yards against the Jets, although he threw two more touchdowns. Atlanta needs Penix to help unlock an offense featuring Bijan Robinson, Drake London and Kyle Pitts. Green Bay, meanwhile, has additional pressure on its passing attack with wide receiver Jayden Reed unavailable tonight.

Key Players and Injuries to Watch

• Michael Penix Jr., Falcons QB: Returns to the starting lineup after recovering from last season’s knee injury.
• Bijan Robinson, Falcons RB: Atlanta’s most dangerous offensive weapon and a potential way to reduce the pressure on Penix.
• Drake London, Falcons WR: Gives Penix a primary downfield and red-zone target against the Green Bay secondary.
• Jordan Love, Packers QB: Has four touchdown passes through two games but is coming off a 145-yard performance.
• Jayden Reed, Packers WR — OUT: Reed will miss the game because of a neck injury, removing an important target from Green Bay’s offense.
• Aaron Banks, Packers G — OUT: Green Bay will be without the veteran guard because of knee and toe injuries.
• Zach Bako-Bewele, Packers OL — OUT: His knee injury further reduces Green Bay’s offensive-line depth.
• Warren Brinson, Packers DT — OUT: Brinson has been ruled out with a calf injury.
• Javon Hargrave, Packers DT — QUESTIONABLE: Hargrave is dealing with knee and concussion issues.
• Samson Ebukam, Falcons DE — OUT: Atlanta will be without Ebukam because of a hamstring injury, while CB Billy Bowman Jr. is questionable with an Achilles issue.

Falcons-Packers Betting Outlook

Green Bay Favored at Lambeau Field

The betting market has moved considerably during the week, in part as Atlanta’s quarterback situation became clearer. Green Bay opened around a touchdown favorite at some sportsbooks, but the point spread has tightened following confirmation that Penix will start. As of Thursday morning, DraftKings lists Green Bay -4.5 (-115) with Atlanta +4.5 (-105). The Packers are -245 on the moneyline, Atlanta is +200 and the total is 42.5, with the over -118 and under -102. Caesars‘ line is also in the same general range, although prices have been moving ahead of kickoff. Bettors should check the current Caesars board before wagering because the market has shifted by multiple points this week.

Over/Under Falls

The total has also fallen from earlier numbers as high as 46.5. Atlanta has yet to find its offensive rhythm, while Green Bay scored only 20 points in its Week 2 overtime victory. Penix’s return adds considerably more intrigue than Atlanta’s first two games offered. The question tonight is whether his presence can immediately revive the Falcons’ offense or whether Green Bay can take advantage of a quarterback playing his first meaningful snaps in nearly a year.