- 8 pm ET (ESPN, ESPN Deportes, NFL+*)
- MetLife Stadium (East Rutherford, NJ)
Joe Flacco has suddenly been thrust into the spotlight once more. With Zach Wilson’s knee injury clouding his availability for Week 1, there’s a non-zero chance Flacco will be starting for the first time against his former Ravens mates in the regular season opener. But first, there’s this game, where Flacco could receive work after sitting out the preseason opener. A prime-time game against Atlanta could be our first chance to see Flacco and the Jets’ new, shiny offensive toys take the field — for a series or two, anyway. … The Falcons have plenty of questions, but running back might not be one of them. In addition to do-it-all starter Cordarrelle Patterson, there’s veteran Damien Williams, rookie Tyler Allgeier and Qadree Ollison, who stood out in the preseason opener at Detroit with five carries for 33 yards. Allgeier was even better per touch, averaging 8.3 yards per carry. Head coach Arthur Smith continues to say that Allgeier is still learning the offense, but one play against the Lions showed some maturity and impact. Allgeier didn’t touch the ball on Desmond Ridder’s game-winning TD pass to converted lacrosse star Jared Bernhardt, but the rookie back stepped up and picked up a blitz, allowing Ridder to make the completion. More of that type of play against the Jets, and Allgeier could earn a trusted role this season sooner rather than later.