Falcons-Lions: Arthur Blank to join team on sideline for national anthem

Here are five things to know before today’s Falcons at Lions kickoff at 1 p.m. in Ford Field:

1. Series record. The Falcons (2-0) are set to face the Detroit Lions (2-0). The Lions lead the series 24-12. The Falcons are 3-1 against the Lions with Matt Ryan at the controls. On Sept. 7, 2008, Ryan made his first NFL start against the Lions and guided the Falcons to a 34-31 victory.

2. Where to watch, listen to the game. The Atlanta Falcons (2-0) are set to face the upstart Detroit Lions (2-0) at 1 p.m. Sunday at Ford Field.

3. Rushing attack. Detroit running back Ameer Abdullah rushed for a career-high 86 yards against the Giants. The Lions are trying to balance out their offense in order to make quarterback Matthew Stafford more effective. The $135 million man has a 53-58 record.

4. The X-factor. The Detroit defense will get a chance to show if they are legitimate or not after wins over the Cardinals and Giants.

5. On the hot seat. Tackle Ty Sambrailo is set to make his first start with the team at right tackle. Ryan Schraeder is in the concussion protocol.

Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan discusses the Detroit Lions and his buddy Matthew Stafford. Video by D. Orlando Ledbetter

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