3 key matchups: Falcons at Dolphins

FLOWERY BRANCH -- Here are three matchups to watch win the Falcons (2-3) face the Dolphins (1-5) at 1 p.m. Sunday at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla.:

Falcons CB A.J. Terrell vs. Dolphins WR Jaylen Waddle: Terrell has played in four games this season and has two pass breakups, 15 tackles, a forced fumble and one tackle for loss. He doesn’t switch sides, so he’ll get Waddle when he shows up on the left cornerback’s side of the field. Waddle leads the Dolphins with 37 catches for 301 yards and three touchdowns. “Waddle is a premier wide receiver as a rookie,” Falcons defensive coordinator Dean Pees said. “I mean the guy is a dynamic talent.”

Falcons SS Duron Harmon vs. Dolphins TE Mike Gesicki: Harmon has started five games and made 18 tackles, has a pass breakup and one tackle for loss. The Falcons haven’t had a problem with a tight end since facing Rob Gronkowski in Week 2 of the season. Gesicki has caught 30 passes for 342 yards and a touchdown for the Dolphins. “He had a big game last week,” Pees said. “The guy has a great catch radius and can run good routes for a tight end. He’s a tough matchup.”

Falcons WR Calvin Ridley vs. Dolphins CB Xavien Howard: Ridley is set to return after missing a game to attend to a personal matter. He caught seven of 13 targets for 80 yards in his last outing against the Washington Football Team. He went against Howard and Miami cornerback Byron Jones when the teams held joint practices in August and had some success. Howard (shoulder/groin) and Jones (Achilles/groin) were limited in practice.

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Atlanta Falcons Schedule

Eagles 32, Falcons 6

Buccaneers 48, Falcons 25

Falcons 17, Giants 14

Washington 34, Falcons 30

Falcons 27, Jets 20

Bye Week

Falcons at Miami Dolphins, Oct. 24 at 1 p.m.