Kenneth Walker III spent Week 9 turning quick cuts into a Chiefs comeback spark. Bijan Robinson answered Cincinnati’s pressure with 147 total yards for Atlanta. Now two of the NFL’s most dangerous runners meet Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, where the 6-2 Chiefs bring a fast-moving offense into a Falcons season that needs a lift.

Kansas City arrives after a 35-12 win over the Jets, a result that stopped a two-game slide. The Chiefs are scoring more than 25 points per game, and their offense gains more yards than Atlanta’s. Patrick Mahomes makes that engine go. He has thrown 14 touchdown passes in eight games, and his ability to keep plays alive gives defenders a hard job. Mahomes is listed as questionable with elbow and knee concerns, but he practiced fully Wednesday.

Walker gives Mahomes an important helper. He has rushed for 872 yards and seven scores, using sudden cuts to burst through small openings. Against the Jets, he caught two touchdown passes and ran for another. That all-around work forces defenses to watch every direction. Rashee Rice can turn short catches into longer gains, while Travis Kelce still finds open space with smart routes. Xavier Worthy is also questionable, though he was a full practice participant Wednesday.

Atlanta’s defense has allowed nearly 25 points per game, so slowing this group is its biggest mission. The Falcons may need key players such as linebacker James Pearce Jr. and defensive tackle Gervon Dexter Sr., who are questionable. Kansas City also has injuries along its offensive line, which could give Atlanta a chance to crowd Mahomes and make the Chiefs earn each yard.

For Atlanta, the answer starts with Robinson. He already has 880 rushing yards in nine games, and he can change a drive with a hard run or a catch in the open field. His running can keep Mahomes on the sideline and give quarterback Michael Penix Jr. simpler throws. That matters after the Falcons lost 34-17 to Cincinnati, their second loss in a row. Atlanta moved the ball early, but missed chances and a late interception ended its push.

Penix has strong targets waiting for those simpler throws. Drake London leads Atlanta with 692 receiving yards, using his size to fight for tough catches. Kyle Pitts Sr. has four touchdown catches, making the tight end a dangerous option near the goal line. Still, the Falcons have given the ball away too often this season, and they cannot offer Kansas City extra chances.

The Chiefs defense can make that problem even tougher. It gives up fewer than 18 points per game, and Chris Jones and George Karlaftis combined for four sacks last week. A sack is when defenders bring down the quarterback before he throws. If Atlanta protects Penix and lets Robinson set the rhythm, this game can stay close deep into the fourth quarter.

The Falcons have the home field and the runner to challenge anyone. Yet Kansas City has been steadier on both sides of the ball, and its Week 9 performance showed its attack is clicking again. Prediction: The Chiefs will win.

Bijan Robinson and Kenneth Walker III Set the Pace in Atlanta