The Atlanta Falcons delivered a roller-coaster performance on Monday Night Football, clinching a dramatic 27-24 victory over the Los Angeles Rams at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 29, 2025. In a game that had everything from record-breaking runs to nail-biting finishes, the Falcons showed both their promise and their vulnerability, ultimately escaping with their third straight win to improve to 7-9 on the season.
All eyes were on Bijan Robinson, who etched his name into the Falcons’ history books with a jaw-dropping 93-yard rushing touchdown late in the second quarter. The run, which came directly after rookie safety Xavier Watts intercepted Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford at Atlanta’s seven-yard line, broke the franchise record for the longest rush, previously held by Warrick Dunn’s 90-yard dash in 2006. Robinson’s sprint wasn’t just a highlight—it was a momentum swing that put the Falcons up 21-0 before halftime and sent the home crowd into a frenzy.
“That was just one of those plays where I had to make a guy miss in the hole, and I was trying to find another crease, and the crease came about, and I was like, ‘Man, I gotta take off,’” Robinson said after the game. “I kept kind of looking back to see if I was free. And I mean, I was free, and we got the touchdown. So that was a really big momentum shift for our team.”
Robinson wasn’t done making history. By night’s end, he had amassed a career-high 229 yards from scrimmage—195 on the ground and 34 through the air—surpassing William Andrews’ 1983 single-season franchise record with a new mark of 2,225 total yards. He also found the end zone twice, once on the record run and once on a short pass from Kirk Cousins that opened the scoring. The third-year running back now leads the league with a staggering 140.9 yards from scrimmage per game and sits just 284 yards shy of Chris Johnson’s all-time single-season record of 2,509 yards set in 2009.
“(To get) 2,200 yards from scrimmage this year is outstanding,” said Cousins. “Dalvin Cook had almost 2,000 one year, and I didn’t think I’d ever get to see that again. So, you know, what he can do in both the run game and pass game is very unique.”
But the Falcons’ victory wasn’t just about offensive fireworks. Atlanta’s defense came up big, particularly in the first half. Rookie safety Xavier Watts intercepted Stafford twice, tying Deion Sanders’ franchise record for rookie interceptions in a season with five. Jessie Bates III added to the defensive showcase with a pick-six, giving Atlanta a 14-0 cushion in the second quarter. Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich has often praised his safety duo, and their performance Monday night certainly backed up the hype.
“We just play fast and trust each other,” Watts said postgame. “Coach Ulbrich puts us in great spots, and tonight we made the most of our chances.”
The Rams, meanwhile, came into the contest already eliminated from the NFC West race after weekend wins by the Seahawks and 49ers. Still, with playoff seeding on the line, Los Angeles had plenty to play for. Stafford, who entered the game as a leading MVP candidate, had his toughest outing of the season, completing 22 of 38 passes for 269 yards, two touchdowns, and three costly interceptions. According to ESPN Research, his second-quarter pick-six was the 32nd of his career, tying Hall of Famer Brett Favre for the most in NFL history.
Despite trailing 21-0 at halftime, the Rams mounted a furious comeback. Stafford connected with Terrance Ferguson and Puka Nacua for second-half touchdowns, and a blocked Zane Gonzalez field goal by Jared Verse was returned for a score, suddenly tying the game at 24 with just under three minutes to play. Special teams have been a thorn in Atlanta’s side all season, and the third-quarter block was the second time in four weeks the Falcons had a field goal attempt swatted away and returned for points.
“Special teams is something we need to clean up,” Falcons head coach Raheem Morris admitted after the game. “But I’m proud of how our guys responded when it mattered most.”
With the score knotted and the clock ticking down, Cousins and Robinson led Atlanta on a determined final drive. The offense chewed up precious seconds before setting up kicker Zane Gonzalez for a 50-yard attempt. With just 21 seconds remaining, Gonzalez split the uprights, putting the Falcons ahead for good and sending fans into celebration mode. The defense then held strong on the Rams’ desperate final possession, sealing a win that could have major implications for the NFC playoff picture.
There was no shortage of drama elsewhere on the field. The Falcons’ defensive line took a hit when standout Brandon Dorlus exited with a knee injury, a development that could impact Atlanta’s front in the season finale. Meanwhile, the Falcons donned their beloved throwback red helmets for the last time this season, adding a touch of nostalgia to an already memorable night.
For the Rams, the loss marked their second in a row and left their quest for the NFC’s No. 5 seed hinging on Week 18 results. If the Seahawks defeat the 49ers on Saturday, the Rams could leapfrog San Francisco with a win over the Arizona Cardinals. Coach Sean McVay’s squad will have to regroup quickly after being shut out in the first half for just the second time in his 148-game tenure.
The Falcons, now winners of four of their last five, will look to carry this momentum into their season finale against the New Orleans Saints at home on Sunday, January 5, 2026. With Robinson chasing an NFL record and the defense playing with renewed swagger, Atlanta suddenly finds itself as one of the league’s most intriguing teams heading into the final week.
For Falcons fans, Monday night was a showcase of resilience, star power, and just enough grit to get the job done. If Atlanta can iron out its special teams woes and keep Robinson rolling, the season’s final chapter could be even more thrilling than this unforgettable win over the Rams.
