Atlanta Falcons (2-5) vs. Detroit Lions (5-2)

Sunday, 9:30 a.m. ET, at Wembley Stadium, London — TV: FOX

*TV announcers: Thom Brennaman, Troy Aikman, Charissa Thompson

*Keys to the game: It’s Football 101, but the Falcons simply have to be productive on first and second down. With five offensive linemen on injured reserve, QB Matt Ryan doesn’t have the time to allow vertical routes to develop, so he needs the support of the ground game to set up manageable third downs. Problem is, Detroit enters with the league’s second-ranked run defense while the Falcons are averaging just 98.1 rushing yards per game — a figure bolstered by a few big runs from Antone Smith, who has only 16 carries on the season. Atlanta expects a heavy dose of man coverage as opponents sit on underneath routes, but WR Roddy White said it’s simply up to the Falcons’ receivers to win their battles and break tackles after the catch to help out their quarterback.

The Lions might be without WR Calvin Johnson (ankle) for the third consecutive game, but Golden Tate has stepped up in his absence and leads the team with 48 catches for 649 yards. That reliability has not been there in the past when Johnson was out of the lineup. Detroit’s offensive plan needs to be more safe than exotic, as QB Matthew Stafford threw a pair of interceptions last week. RB Joique Bell had 20 touches last week and will again combine with Reggie Bush to help control field position and force the Falcons to prove they can drive the length of the field.

*Matchup to watch — Lions DTs Nick Fairley and Ndamukong Suh vs. Falcons C James Stone/Harland Gunn: The Falcons will start their third different center of the season following season-ending injuries to Joe Hawley and Peter Konz. James Stone finished last week’s game, playing 56 of 66 offensive snaps, and has been working diligently with Ryan studying film. No film can prepare the undrafted rookie for the size, speed and strength the Lions’ interior tandem will bring Sunday. Gunn has also been taking snaps at center in the event the Falcons don’t feel comfortable going with Stone, who coach Mike Smith acknowledges, “just doesn’t have any experience.”

*Player spotlight — Lions DE Ziggy Ansah: He’ll face plenty of one-on-one opportunities against rookie Jake Matthews, who is battling a nagging ankle injury.

*Fast facts: Falcons DE Osi Umenyiora was born in London. … Tate has three 100-yard receiving games over the past four weeks.

WHO WILL WIN AND WHY

Since the injuries really started to mount four games ago, the Falcons’ have scored 28, 20, 13 and 7 points. The regression is stark, yet understandable. And playing the league’s top-ranked defense, which can dominate healthy offensive lines, isn’t going to help.

*Our pick: Lions 24-16