We’re going to find out soon whether that Week 3 win over the Giants was the spark that will start a roaring fire of winning, or just a match lit in the pouring rain. A win here lifts the Falcons to .500 and gives them a little bit of swagger to carry forward, while a loss—especially a loss because the offense is still spinning its tires—will only reinforce the questions we already have.

I for one am ready to embrace a brighter future, so I’ll be hoping Atlanta can cobble together a complete effort and put us somewhat at ease. The win against the Giants was extremely welcome, showing this team is capable of digging deep late in a game instead of wilting, but it was a better foundation than a statement victory for a team finding its way. Hosting a reeling Football Team, Atlanta has the chance to earn that W while doing more and doing better.

Here’s what you’ll need to know for Sunday’s game. Go Falcons!

Atlanta Falcons vs. Washington Football Team, Week 4

When: Sunday, October 3 at 1 p.m. EST

Where: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia

Channel: FOX

Announcers: Kevin Kugler, Laura Okmin, Mark Sanchez

Streaming: NFL Sunday Ticket via DirectTV, FOXSports app on mobile devices

Radio: 92.9 The Game

Key Questions: Can the Falcons build on a win against the Giants and play a more complete game? Will this offensive line prove capable of handling a powerful Washington pass rush? Can the Falcons defense put the brakes on Terry McLaurin and Logan Thomas?

2021 Falcons regular season schedule (1-2)

Week 1, Loss: vs. Philadelphia Eagles

Week 2: Loss @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Week 3: Win @ New York Giants

Week 4: vs. Washington Football Team, 1 p.m., Sunday, October 3

Week 5: vs. New York Jets, 9:30 a.m. in London on Sunday, October 10

Week 6: BYE WEEK

Week 7: @ Miami Dolphins, 1 p.m., Sunday, October 24

Week 8: vs. Carolina Panthers, 1 p.m., Sunday, October 31

Week 9: @ New Orleans Saints, 1 p.m., Sunday, November 7

Week 10: @ Dallas Cowboys, 1 p.m., Sunday, November 14

Week 11: vs. New England Patriots, 8:20 p.m., Thursday, November 18

Week 12: @ Jacksonville Jaguars, 1 p.m., Sunday, November 28

Week 13: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 1 p.m., Sunday, December 5

Week 14: @ Carolina Panthers, 1 p.m., Sunday, December 12

Week 15: @ San Francisco 49ers, 4:05 p.m., Sunday, December 19

Week 16: vs. Detroit Lions, 1 p.m., Sunday, December 26

Week 17: @ Buffalo Bills, 1 p.m., Sunday, January 3

Week 18: vs. New Orleans Saints, 1 p.m., Sunday, January 9