At a Glance
- Falcons edge Rams 27-24 in Week 17 Monday Night Football.
- Bijan Robinson rushes for 195 yards and a touchdown.
- Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford throws 3 interceptions.
Why it matters: Falcons keep playoff hopes alive while Rams lose a shot at the top NFC seed.
The Atlanta Falcons secured a narrow 27-24 victory over the Los Angeles Rams on Monday Night Football, keeping their playoff hopes alive. The win came after a dominant first-half performance that saw a pick-six by Matthew Stafford and a record-breaking run by Bijan Robinson. The result also has implications for draft positioning and season standings.
Game Highlights
Atlanta opened the game with a 21-0 lead, thanks to a pick-six from Stafford to Jessie Bates and a 93-yard touchdown run by Robinson early in the second quarter. Los Angeles rallied to tie at 24-24, but a late field-goal by Atlanta and a defensive stand sealed the win.
- Bijan Robinson – 195 rushing yards, 1 touchdown, 5 receptions, 34 yards.
- Matthew Stafford – 269 passing yards, 2 touchdowns, 3 interceptions.
- Xavier Watts – 5 tackles, 3 passes defended, 2 interceptions.
- Jared Verse – blocked a field-goal and returned it for a touchdown.
Season and Draft Implications
The win moves the Falcons to a 7-9 record, while the Rams fall to 11-5. The outcome also affects the 2026 first-round pick, moving it to No. 12 overall. If Atlanta defeats the Saints in Week 18, the pick could shift again.
| Metric | Falcons | Rams |
|---|---|---|
| Record | 7-9 | 11-5 |
| Head-to-Head | 1-0 | 0-1 |
| 2026 1st-Round Pick | 12 | – |
> If the Falcons defeat the Saints in Week 18, the Panthers will win the NFC South regardless of their outcome against the Buccaneers on Saturday.
Key Takeaways
- Falcons stay alive for playoff contention after a 27-24 win.
- Bijan Robinson’s 195-yard performance was pivotal.
- Draft pick moves to No. 12, affecting future roster plans.
The Falcons’ narrow victory keeps their postseason dreams alive, while the Rams face a tougher path ahead.
