Falcons vs. Packers: Penix returns, but betting value remains unclear
Atlanta turns to Michael Penix Jr. after two losses, while Green Bay opens its home schedule. At these prices, the recommendation is Pass.
Matchup overview
Michael Penix Jr.'s return changes the central question for Atlanta: how much of its struggling offense carries over with a different quarterback? The Falcons visit Green Bay on Thursday, September 24, in Week 3 of the 2026 NFL season after losing their first two games without reaching the red zone. Penix will make his first start since last November's season-ending knee injury. Green Bay returns from two road games for its home opener, bringing a 13-game winning streak in home openers. That history supplies context, but cannot settle this matchup's price.
At a glance
Kickoff: Thursday, September 24, 2026, at 8:15 p.m. ET.
Venue: Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin.
Broadcast: Prime Video, with Al Michaels, Kirk Herbstreit and Kaylee Hartung.
Record and setting: Atlanta is 0-2. Green Bay plays its home opener after two road games.
Atlanta quarterback: Michael Penix Jr. is the announced starter. Tua Tagovailoa is listed as backup on the unofficial depth chart.
SportsJaw moneyline: Atlanta +230; Green Bay -280. Spread: Atlanta +6.5 (-115); Green Bay -6.5 (-105). Total: over 44 (-112); under 44 (-105).
Atlanta Falcons outlook
Atlanta's first two games establish the problem more clearly than the quarterback change establishes a solution. The Falcons lost by a combined 54-16 and were the NFL's only offense without a red-zone appearance through two games. The team identified turnovers and inconsistent passing as contributors. Those failures make sustaining possessions the immediate test for Penix.