What we’re hearing on the Bills: Buffalo’s offense has an extra day to prepare after the team’s first loss, which was also the first time it failed to score 30 points this season. One objective is reducing the turnovers (three vs. New England) against a Falcons team that has six takeaways on the season (tied for 11th most). But an important part of the offense that could be a challenge against Atlanta is the big plays. The Bills are second in the NFL with 37 explosive plays (rushes of 10-plus yards and completions of 20-plus yards), but the Falcons have allowed just 14 explosive plays this season, second fewest in the NFL. — Alaina Getzenberg
What we’re hearing on the Falcons: Atlanta’s defense has been excellent against the pass so far. It has allowed the fewest passing yards per game (108) — 46 yards per game fewer than any other team — and opposing teams have the seventh-worst EPA per dropback (minus-0.09) against the Falcons and the sixth-worst completion percentage over expected (minus-3.1%). However, the Falcons have not faced a QB like Josh Allen, whom coach Raheem Morris referred to as “a problem everywhere.” — Marc Raimondi
Stat to know: Falcons RB Bijan Robinson has five straight games with 100 yards from the line of scrimmage dating back to last season. That’s tied with 49ers RB Christian McCaffrey for the longest active streak in the NFL. — ESPN Research
Bold prediction: The Falcons will generate multiple 30-plus-yard gains on plays where they use motion at the snap. They use motion at the snap 53% of the time (second in the NFL), and the Bills are allowing 0.23 EPA per play vs. motion at the snap, third most in the NFL this season. — Walder
Fantasy nugget: The Bills’ defense has allowed the sixth-fewest fantasy points per game to WRs this season. Drake London did have 10 targets and a season-high 25 fantasy points in Week 4, but this isn’t a favorable matchup. Buffalo’s defense will be looking to bounce back from a disappointing loss and could make things tough for second-year QB Michael Penix Jr. See Week 6 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: The Bills are 0-3 ATS in their past three games, their longest ATS losing streak since Weeks 5-10 of 2023 (six straight). Read more. — ESPN Research
Maldonado’s pick: Bills 34, Falcons 31
Moody’s pick: Bills 35, Falcons 21
Walder’s pick: Bills 30, Falcons 20
FPI prediction: BUF, 61.0% (by an average of 4.6 points)
Atlanta hosts its final FIFA World Cup match today as England and Argentina face off in a highly anticipated semifinal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
While thousands of fans are expected to pack the stadium in downtown Atlanta once again, local leaders say the tournament’s impact is already being felt far beyond the pitch.
Before the World Cup began, the Metro Atlanta Chamber projected the tournament could generate more than $503 million in economic activity across Georgia. An Emory University study also estimated Decatur’s month-long WatchFest could contribute up to $142 million to the local economy.
Officials across metro Atlanta are still compiling final attendance and economic data, but early signs point to a busy tournament.
Visitors from around the world have spent weeks exploring Atlanta attractions, dining at local restaurants and attending the FIFA Fan Festival.
“It’s better than I anticipated,” said one visitor from Lagos, Nigeria. “Everyone is super nice, very friendly. The energy is … I feel like I could bottle it. I don’t want it to end.”
The tournament has also created lasting memories for local families.
Former professional baseball player Paul Byrd attended the World Cup with his son, Colby, whose passion for soccer inspired the outing.
“First of all, I’m a baseball player,” Byrd said. “Put my son in left field, he’s talking to the rabbits. He said baseball’s boring. He loves soccer. That’s why we’re here. The World Cup in Atlanta, we’re showing out. It feels like a World Series for me.”
While today’s semifinal marks Atlanta’s final match of the tournament, local leaders say the World Cup’s full impact will take time to measure as communities continue calculating attendance, tourism, and business activity generated over the past several weeks.
England and Argentina kick off Wednesday afternoon at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, with the winner advancing to the FIFA World Cup.
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