Falcons Survive Rams Comeback as Bijan Robinson Dominates Week 17 MNF

The Atlanta Falcons’ 2025 season can be summed up in one dramatic night at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

There were moments of brilliance, stretches of frustration, individual performances that stole the spotlight, and mistakes that nearly erased everything. Yet when the clock hit zero on Monday Night Football in Week 17, the Falcons walked away with a hard-earned 27–24 victory over the Los Angeles Rams.

At the center of it all was running back Bijan Robinson, who delivered one of the most dominant performances of the NFL season and carried Atlanta through adversity when it mattered most.

A Fast Start, Then Familiar Trouble

Atlanta came out firing in the first half, building a commanding 21–0 halftime lead that seemed to put the game firmly under control. Robinson was unstoppable, the defense capitalized on mistakes, and the Rams looked out of sync on both sides of the ball.

But as has often been the case this season, the Falcons struggled to protect a big advantage.

The offense stalled in the second half, the defense failed to generate timely stops, and special teams issues once again nearly flipped the outcome. By the time the fourth quarter arrived, what once looked like a comfortable win had turned into a tense, back-and-forth contest.

Bijan Robinson Puts on a Historic Show

Despite Atlanta’s ups and downs, Bijan Robinson was consistently spectacular.

The second-year running back finished the night with a career-high 229 total yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns, including a jaw-dropping 93-yard rushing score just before halftime. That run set a new franchise record and gave the Falcons their largest lead of the night.

Robinson also added a receiving touchdown and repeatedly bailed out the offense when momentum began to swing. By the end of the game, he had piled up 195 rushing yards on 22 carries, cementing his status as one of the most dynamic offensive players in the league.

From a historical standpoint, Robinson’s season has been remarkable. His 2,255 scrimmage yards rank third over the past decade, trailing only Christian McCaffrey’s 2019 campaign and Saquon Barkley’s 2024 season. It is also the most scrimmage yards in Atlanta Falcons history, surpassing longtime franchise standout William Andrews.

Defense Makes Big Plays — and Gives Some Back

Atlanta’s defense delivered impact moments that helped offset its late-game struggles.

Rookie safety Xavier Watts recorded two interceptions, bringing his season total to five. That mark is the highest by a Falcons rookie since Deion Sanders in 1989. Veteran safety Jessie Bates III added a highlight of his own with a pick-six, jumping a Matthew Stafford pass in the second quarter and taking it all the way to the end zone.

However, the defense could not consistently get off the field in the second half, allowing the Rams to claw back into the game and set up a dramatic finish.

Special Teams Nearly Cost Atlanta Again

If there was one area that nearly derailed the Falcons completely, it was special teams.

In the third quarter, Rams rookie Jared Verse blocked a Zane Gonzalez field goal attempt and returned it for a touchdown. The play instantly shifted momentum and erased much of Atlanta’s early cushion. It marked the second blocked field goal against the Falcons in the last four weeks, highlighting an ongoing issue that continues to haunt the team.

Despite the setback, Gonzalez ultimately redeemed himself. With the game tied late in the fourth quarter, quarterback Kirk Cousins and Robinson led a steady drive into field goal range. Gonzalez then drilled a 50-yard field goal with 21 seconds remaining, sealing the victory.

Falcons Snapshot: What This Win Means

With the win, Atlanta improves to 7–9, riding a three-game winning streak and victories in four of its last five games. While playoff hopes are no longer realistic, the late-season surge provides optimism heading into the offseason.

Key Takeaways for Atlanta:

• Primary weakness: Special teams remain a major concern.
• Player to watch: Bijan Robinson continues to redefine the Falcons’ offense.
• Defensive bright spot: The safety duo of Jessie Bates III and Xavier Watts is emerging as one of the most productive in the NFL.

Next game: vs. New Orleans Saints (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, Fox)

Rams Struggle Early but Still Eye Playoff Position

The Los Angeles Rams entered Week 17 already eliminated from the NFC West title race following wins by the Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers. Still, they had plenty to play for in terms of postseason seeding.

That urgency did not show early.

Missing key offensive linemen Alaric Jackson and Kevin Dotson, the Rams offense looked disjointed in the first half. Quarterback Matthew Stafford, who had been considered a strong MVP candidate entering the game, endured one of his roughest outings of the season.

Stafford finished 22 of 38 for 269 yards, with two touchdowns and three interceptions. Notably, it was his first three-interception performance since Week 1 of the 2022 season.

One of those interceptions proved historic in an unfortunate way. Stafford’s second-quarter pick-six was the 32nd of his career, tying Hall of Fame quarterback Brett Favre for the most pick-sixes thrown in NFL history.

Run Defense Remains a Major Issue for Los Angeles

Perhaps the most glaring problem for the Rams was their inability to slow down the run.

A week after surrendering 171 rushing yards to the Seahawks, Los Angeles again struggled in the trenches. Robinson’s 93-yard touchdown run just before halftime highlighted defensive breakdowns and poor tackling, and the Rams never fully recovered.

In total, Robinson accounted for nearly 200 rushing yards, repeatedly punishing a defense that failed to adjust.

Another surprising stat: under head coach Sean McVay, this marked only the second time in 148 regular-season games that the Rams were held scoreless in the first half.

What’s Next for the Rams?

Despite the loss, Los Angeles remains in a favorable position heading into Week 18. The Rams still have a path to the No. 5 seed in the NFC. If the Seahawks defeat the 49ers on Saturday, a Rams win over the Arizona Cardinals could allow Los Angeles to jump San Francisco in the standings.

Next game: vs. Arizona Cardinals (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET, Fox)

Final Thoughts

Monday night’s clash between the Falcons and Rams was chaotic, thrilling, and revealing for both teams.

For Atlanta, it was a reminder of how dangerous they can be when their stars shine — and how costly their mistakes can be when they don’t. For Los Angeles, it was a warning sign ahead of the playoffs, especially when it comes to protecting the quarterback and stopping the run.

Above all, the night belonged to Bijan Robinson, whose historic performance turned a potential collapse into a signature win and gave Falcons fans something to believe in heading into the future.

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