Falcons LB Paul Worrilow vs. Bills RB C.J. Spiller and Fred Jackson: Worrilow has been a tackling machine since he was inserted into the lineup. He even had a big breakthrough against the Saints. He diagnosed a run and dropped Pierre Thomas for a 3-yard loss. The Falcons must slow Jackson and Spiller, both of whom have rushed for more than 500 yards. Jackson has 591 yards and six rushing touchdowns. Spiller has 507 yards and one touchdown.
Falcons LT Lamar Holmes vs. Bills DE Mario Williams: Holmes' play has smoothed out a bit after a bumpy start. He's hustling and fighting much harder, but will need some help with Williams, one of the game's premier pass rushers. Williams' 11 sacks are tied for third in the NFL with Kansas City Chiefs outside linebacker Justin Houston. Indianapolis Colts defensive end Robert Mathis has 14.5 sacks, and St. Louis defensive end Robert Quinn has 13.
Falcons RB Steven Jackson vs. Bills LB Kiko Alonso: The Falcons want to run the ball against Buffalo's stout defensive front because they don't want to see the pass rush unleashed all afternoon. Attempting their average of 40 passes a game is not a formula for success. Jackson, who missed four games with a hamstring injury, has yet to rush for more than 100 yards in a game. Alonso, a rookie from Oregon who was taken in the second round of the draft (46th overall), ranks second in the NFL with 112 tackles, and he has four interceptions.
