Falcons LT Gabe Carimi vs. Bengals DE Carlos Dunlap: Carimi, who's expected to start instead of Jake Matthews, will get some help blocking Dunlap, who the Falcons consider a game-wrecker. He had a sack last week against the Ravens and has 28.5 career sacks.

Falcons RT Jon Asamoah vs. Bengals DT Geno Atkins: Atkins, a former Georgia standout, is the cornerstone of the defense and a disruptive force. Asamoah helped to establish a firm front to the pocket and graded well with his run blocking. Atkins played 49 of 88 snaps (56 percent) against Baltimore in his return.

Falcons RB Steven Jackson vs. Bengals LB Rey Maualuga: Jackson averaged 4.3 yards per carry in the opener. He had a long run of 17 yards as he showed some power and ran with authority. Maualuga had three tackles against the Ravens.

Falcons LB Paul Worrilow vs. Bengals RB Giovani Bernard: Worrilow led the Falcons with 15 tackles against the Saints. Bernard rushed for 48 yards on 14 carries. Bernard also was targeted 10 times in the pass game and caught six passes for 62 yards.

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