At a Glance
- Rams drop to third in NFC West after 27-24 loss to Falcons.
- Bijan Robinson racks up 195 yards and a 93-yard TD, the longest run in Falcons history.
- Rams coach Sean McVay admits the team was humbled, marking a two-game skid.
- Why it matters: The defeat locks the Rams into a road playoff opener and gives the Falcons a three-game winning streak, reshaping the division race.
In Monday night’s high-stakes clash, the Los Angeles Rams were defeated 27-24 by the Atlanta Falcons, ending their bid for the top spot in the NFC West and setting up a tough road playoff debut.
Game Recap
The Falcons surged early, leading 21-0 at halftime and 24-3 early in the second half before the Rams rallied. Bijan Robinson’s 195-yard outing, highlighted by a 93-yard touchdown run, was the longest in Atlanta history. Jessie Bates III returned an interception 34 yards for a score, cementing the Falcons’ 27-24 win.
Key Performances
The Falcons’ offense was powered by Bijan Robinson’s dominant performance.
- Bijan Robinson – 195 rushing yards, 4-yard TD reception, 229 scrimmage yards total.
- Zane Gonzalez – 51-yard field goal with 21 seconds left.
- Matthew Stafford – 269 yards passing, 2 touchdowns, 3 interceptions.
- Jarred Verse – Blocked a 37-yard field-goal, returned 76 yards for a touchdown.
McVay reflected on the loss:
> “This is a humbling league and we got humbled tonight.”
McVay added:
> “I love the way that we found a way to get back in the game, but we weren’t able to close it out.”
Kirk Cousins praised Robinson:
> “He’s a special player. What he can do in both the run game and pass game is very unique.”
Raheem Morris noted the defense:
> “I think the defensive staff did a great job again, limiting a great football player.”
Matthew Stafford said:
> “It boils down to execution every week, right? Either you execute and make the throws or you don’t. And I didn’t do that tonight, so it hurt us and we weren’t able to overcome it.”
Turnovers & Defensive Highlights
Stafford threw three interceptions, the first since Week 1 of 2022, giving the Falcons multiple possessions. A.J. Terrell and the defense limited Puka Nacua to five catches for 47 yards. The Rams’ offense was stifled in the first half, unable to score until Stafford’s 27-yard TD pass to Terrance Ferguson late in the third quarter.
Injury Report
| Team | Player | Position | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rams | Davante Adams | WR | Hamstring (out) |
| Rams | Kevin Dotson | RG | Ankle (out) |
| Rams | Alaric Jackson | LT | Ankle (out) |
| Rams | Blake Corum | RB | Right ankle (out) |
| Rams | Jaylen McCollough | S | Hip (questionable) |
| Rams | Roger McCreary | CB | Hip (active) |
| Falcons | Brandon Dorlus | DL | Left knee (out) |
| Falcons | Mike Ford Jr. | CB | Ankle (questionable) |
| Falcons | Mike Hughes | CB | Ankle (out) |
| Falcons | Josh Woods | ILB | Personal matter (inactive) |
Looking Ahead
The Rams will finish the season at 11-5, entering the playoffs as the No. 5 seed and opening on the road after Seattle and San Francisco win on Sunday. They face the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday for their final regular-season game. The Falcons, 7-9, will close the season at home against New Orleans, who defeated them 24-10 on Nov. 23.
McVay said about starters:
> “No, we’re playing. We were playing anyway. We need to play.”
Key Takeaways
- Rams fall to third in NFC West, locked into a road playoff opener.
- Bijan Robinson’s 195-yard game, including a 93-yard TD, sets a Falcons record.
- Matthew Stafford’s three interceptions derail Rams’ comeback effort.
The loss underscores the importance of execution and depth as the Rams head into the postseason, while the Falcons gain momentum on a three-game winning streak.
