The Seattle Seahawks hit the road for a game against the 4-8 Atlanta Falcons on Sunday.

Seahawks Injuries: Love, Reed expected to return vs Falcons

Here are your two numbers that matter for Week 14:

Your first number that matters is: 41.

The Falcons have 41 sacks this season, and that includes five apiece from rookie edge rushers Jalon Walker and James Pearce, a total that leads all rookie defenders. That sack total is one more than the Seahawks and behind only the Denver Broncos (51) and Cleveland Browns (43).

What’s been working for them? Blitzing. Per Sharp Football, the Falcons blitz at the second-highest rate in the league behind the Minnesota Vikings. A struggling first half against Minnesota’s defense last week might have some Seahawks fans worried, but it’s worth noting here that the Falcons’ blitz rate (36%) is closer to the sixth-most blitz-happy team (the Kansas City Chiefs at 30%) than it is to the Vikings (48%).

Atlanta’s defense hasn’t been without its flaws, but it’s been the more reliable side of the ball for the Falcons this season. It’s left them top-10 in limiting opposing passing yards, but they’ve been susceptible to the run (they’re tied for 25th in rushing yards allowed).

Your second number that matters is: 3.

This one is, fittingly, three-fold!

First, it highlights the Falcons’ tendency to play down to weaker opponents and upset stronger opponents. The Falcons have three wins as an underdog this year (a 3-2 record) but are an abysmal 1-6 as a favorite, and that includes their most recent loss to the New York Jets. They’ll be underdogs once again against the Seahawks. Does it mean they’ll upset Seattle? Probably not. While a winning record as an underdog is impressive, the Seahawks have the Falcons beat in just about every category. Rather, this can serve as a reminder that a sub-.500 team won’t always look that way against contenders.

Secondly, let’s talk about third down. The Falcons’ offense is one of the league’s worst on third down at a 33% conversion rate, a number that’s dipped to just above 30% over the last three games. Meanwhile, the Seahawks’ defense is one of the league’s best there, limiting opposing offenses to 24%.

Lastly, the Seahawks are 3-0 in visits to Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

More on the Seattle Seahawks

• Preview: Seahawks, Falcons headed in opposite directions
• Huard: This is the best defensive front in Seattle Seahawks history
• Stacy Rost: How many wins will it take for an NFC West crown? 
• Jeremiah: 2 areas Darnold can improve in to help Seattle Seahawks
• Where Seattle Seahawks’ defense ranks among league’s best