Kirk Cousins' record in primetime games: What to know about Falcons QB's win-loss

All eyes are on the quarterback position every week. But in primetime games, the quarterback's performance becomes more magnified.

The Atlanta Falcons will play the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 3 on "Sunday Night Football." Under center for Atlanta will be Kirk Cousins, who signed a massive four-year contract with Atlanta in the offseason. He suffered an Achilles injury last October, cutting his 2023 season short in Minnesota.

After not playing with his new team throughout the preseason, Cousins played poorly in the Falcons Week 1, 18-10 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. The lack of chemistry and timing issues with his receivers and offensive line were on display. It was his first game action since the injury, and he struggled: Cousins completed 16 of 26 passes for just 155 yards, 1 touchdown, and 2 interceptions.

However, they bounced back with a big win over the Eagles in Week 2. While Cousins still didn't exhibit an A-plus arm or mobility, he did enough to get the job done in the closing minutes of the game. Now, the Falcons face a tough opponent at home in Week 3, taking on Kansas City.

Here's what to know about Cousins' record entering Sunday night:

Kirk Cousins primetime record

Kirk Cousins' primetime record entering "Sunday Night Football" is 13-20 overall. Cousins helped course correct the narrative surrounding him a bit with a big, last-minute win over the Eagles in Week 2.

The last time we saw Cousins play on "Sunday Night Football" was in Week 8 of the 2021 season, which ended in a loss to the Cowboys.

The Falcons shocked the world when they drafted Michael Penix Jr. with the No. 8 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft, just months after signing Cousins. Many NFL fans and media members will wonder when or if Atlanta would bench Cousins in favor of the rookie first-rounder, especially if Cousins struggles in primetime on the national stage.

Cousins' record on Monday Night Football is 3-10, and the Falcons are 6.5-point underdogs, according to BetMGM.

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Kirk Cousins contract

The Falcons quarterback signed a four-year, $180 million contract with $100 million guaranteed. His contract with Atlanta includes a no-trade clause.

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Kirk Cousins' primetime record: Falcons QB's win-loss on big stages