Patriots Host Falcons in Week 9 as AFC East Race Looms

The New England Patriots will host the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday at Gillette Stadium in a Week 9 matchup that could reshape the AFC East race and test how each team responds to recent setbacks. New England enters at 6-2 riding a five-game winning streak and atop the division, while Atlanta is 3-4 after a 34-10 loss to the Miami Dolphins last week and faces questions about key injuries on offense.

The Falcons began the week dealing with injuries to second-year quarterback Michael Penix Jr., who was diagnosed with a bone bruise in his knee, and leading receiver Drake London, who suffered a hip injury in practice. Early injury reports listed Penix as likely out and London as questionable, and Atlanta struggled offensively in Penix’s absence in the loss to Miami. On Friday, coach Raheem Morris told reporters Penix would start and that both players had participated in practice. Morris also offered a blunt assessment after the Miami defeat, saying, "It was bad across the board and it starts with us."

Atlanta’s offense has leaned heavily on Penix, London and running back Bijan Robinson. London leads the team with 38 receptions for 469 yards and two touchdowns through six games;...