The Atlanta Falcons desperately need to get a win this weekend or their season could be in trouble. After putting on one of the worst performances in team history — a 30-0 loss to the Carolina Panthers — things will only get tougher for Atlanta in the coming weeks.

The Falcons will host the Washington Commanders in Week 4. After a bye in Week 5, the team will return home to host the Buffalo Bills on “Monday Night Football” in Week 6. Needless to say, Atlanta’s playoff chances will take a major hit if the team can’t find a way to beat Washington on Sunday.

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Here are five bold predictions for the Falcons’ Week 4 matchup against the Commanders.

Michael Penix Jr. bounces back with 250+ yards, 3 TDs

The Falcons have scored one touchdown over the last two weeks, but they have to score points in order to have a chance against a high-powered Commanders offense. After playing arguably the worst game of his NFL career against Carolina, I think Penix will bounce back in Week 4 with one of his best. Last season, Penix played well against Washington, throwing his first career touchdown pass to Kyle Pitts in the fourth quarter to send the game to overtime. I like the second-year quarterback to rack up over 250 total yards and three touchdowns on Sunday.

Falcons defense will sack Marcus Mariota 5 times

Marcus Mariota has elite speed, but he’s not exactly Michael Vick when it comes to elusiveness in the pocket. The Commanders played well with Mariota under center in Week 3. The former Falcons quarterback completed 15 out of 21 pass attempts for 207 passing yards, one touchdown and zero interceptions. Mariota also rushed for 40 yards and a touchdown on six carries against the Raiders last weekend. I think Atlanta’s pass rush will show out against former head coach Dan Quinn. The Falcons will sack Mariota five times on Sunday.

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Drake London will notch first 100-yard game of the season

London hasn’t quite been himself this season, recording 16 catches for 159 receiving yards in three games. The fourth-year wide receiver injured his shoulder in Week 1 and has yet to top 60 yards in a game this season. Expect the drought to end on Sunday. The last time Atlanta faced Washington, London led the team with 106 receiving yards on seven catches. I think the former top-10 pick will post a similar stat line in Week 4.

Rookies to the rescue

The Falcons’ draft class shined in their Week 2 win over the Minnesota Vikings, but they failed to replicate that performance in Week 3. I think Atlanta’s rookies will take the spotlight again with another big game against the Commanders. I like James Pearce Jr. and Jalon Walker will bring the pressure, and I think at least one rookie will record an interception (Billy Bowman Jr. or Xavier Watts). If the Falcons are going to save their season, they need their best players to play their best, and that includes the team’s talented rookie class.

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Kyle Pitts will score first TD of the season

As previously mentioned, Pitts caught a touchdown in the team’s Week 17 loss to the Commanders last season. The fifth-year tight end has been among Michael Penix Jr.’s favorite targets this season (15 catches on 19 targets for 135 receiving yards). I think Pitts will find the end zone against Dan Quinn’s defense once again in Week 4. Pitts is playing in a contract year and his effort has been commendable over the first three games.

This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Falcons vs. Commanders: Bold predictions for Week 4 game