Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan began offseason workouts earlier than usual in anticipation of an increased workload during the 2012 season.

Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan is trying to put last season's ugly playoff loss to the Giants in the rear-view mirror.

Both teams need a victory, although the Giants may need it in a worse way than the Falcons.

Seven Giants missed practice with injuries on Wednesday. Bradshaw and Nicks could fight injuries the rest of the season.

He's expected to return on Thursday. Meanwhile, Asante Samuel returns to action for the first time since November 29.

The Atlanta Falcons are currently favored by one point against the New York Giants on most betting sites, although that slight advantage could diminish as the week goes on.

The combination of Roddy White and Julio Jones has tallied nearly 500 yards receiving, more than Victor Cruz and Hakeem Nicks, but Nicks says that a different statistic is more important.

Atlanta Falcons cornerback Asante Samuel will return to practice on Wednesday after missing last week's game against the Carolina Panthers.

The Panthers almost rushed for 200 yards for the second time this season against the Atlanta Falcons, and the team will need to improve its rush defense if they want to go deep in the playoffs.