Quick Take: Bills/Falcons

Published: Dec 22, 2009 at 07:24 AM

In Brief

» Last meeting:Michael Vick passed for 167 yards and two touchdowns, and ran for another 64 yards to lead the Falcons past the Bills, 24-16, in Week 3 of the 2005 season.
» Streaks: Atlanta has won the last two meetings, and now holds a 5-4 overall edge.
» Last week: The Falcons rallied for a 10-7 victory against the Jets. ... The Bills put up a fight, but ultimately fell to the Patriots for the 13th consecutive time, 17-10.

Keep your eye on ...Tony Gonzalez working the middle of the field: While the 13-year veteran tight end was unable to help the Falcons make the playoffs in his first year with the team, it was no fault of his own. He is having another Pro Bowl caliber season, and scored the winning touchdown in last week's victory over the Jets. He will test a Bills team that has struggled to cover tight ends.

Atlanta's tackling machine:Falcons LB Curtis Lofton is second in the NFL this year with 128 tackles. He is 10 behind the 49ers' Patrick Willis and will need a big game against the Bills to put himself within striking distance of Willis going into Week 17.

Aaron Maybin's performance: The Bills are likely to undergo significant roster changes in the offseason, so developing the most promising young players is pivotal over the final two weeks. Maybin, the team's top pick in last April's draft, has just 15 tackles and nary a sack, but he has a chance to show he can be a piece for the future by finishing the season strong.

Did you know?

The Falcons have to win their last two games to notch back-to-back winning seasons for the first time in franchise history. ... Atlanta's Tony Gonzalez needs 180 receiving yards over the last two games to record his third straight 1,000-yard season. ... Buffalo rookie Jairus Byrd leads the NFL with nine interceptions. ... Bills RB Fred Jackson has thrown, caught and rushed for a touchdown this season.

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