Out of the NFL playoffs, the Atlanta Falcons continue to play like the class of the NFC South.
Winners of three straight, the Falcons, led by running back Bijan Robinson, jumped out to a big halftime lead and then withstood a second-half rally, securing a 27-24 victory at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Falcons kicker Zane Gonzalez, a mid-season pickup, connected on a 51-yard, game-winning field goal with 21 seconds remaining.
The Carolina Panthers (8-8) continue to develop into big Falcons’ fans. Regardless of next Saturday’s outcome against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9), the Panthers would claim the NFC South title on a tie-breaker if the Falcons (7-9) top the visiting New Orleans Saints (6-10) on Sunday.
Since getting eliminated from the postseason, the Falcons have earned three consecutive wins.
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Robinson showed off his skills during prime time. Robinson compiled 229 scrimmage yards and scored two touchdowns. Falcons coach Raheem Morris called him the “best player” in the NFL …
There’s just not another back in the nfl with the stop/start of Bijan Robinson at that size pic.twitter.com/LBY1JzFYrV
— Bengal (@BengalYouTube) December 30, 2025
Robinson opened the scoring Monday night on a 4-yard scoring reception from quarterback Kirk Cousins, capping a 11-play, 65-yard drive …
KIRK TO BIJAN ROBINSON TOUCHDOWN
THE BEST RB IN THE NFL STRIKES FIRSTpic.twitter.com/cvGM3rjbW0
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) December 30, 2025
Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford overshot a pass over the middle for Konata Mumpfield and Falcons safety Jessie Bates III returned the interception 34 yards for a second-quarter touchdown. Since 2023, Bates has posted 13 interceptions, third-most in the league …
JESSIE BATES III PICK-6
LARvsATL on ESPN/ABC
Stream on @NFLPlus and ESPN App pic.twitter.com/v0tdpjZb88— NFL (@NFL) December 30, 2025
Robinson reached top speed during his 93-yard touchdown run, the fourth longest in MNF history. It was Robinson’s longest rush of his professional career, giving the Falcons a 21-0 halftime advantage …
21.2 MPH 💨
That's how fast Bijan Robinson was going on his way to the CRIB 🏡 pic.twitter.com/FlkTQjh8eY
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) December 30, 2025
After the Rams were shut out through 30 minutes for just the second time in nine seasons, kicker Harrison Mevis connected on a 35-yard field goal on the opening possession of the second half …
Harrison Mevis abre o placar pros Rams!
📺: #LARvsATL ao vivo na @espnbrasil e NFL Game Pass | #NFLnaESPN pic.twitter.com/Q29jSuokRp
— NFL Brasil (@NFLBrasil) December 30, 2025
After Gonzalez connected on a 56-yarder, restoring the Falcons’ 21-point lead (24-3), Stafford hit Terrance Ferguson on a 27-yard scoring pass. The comeback was on. For Ferguson, it was his fifth catch of at least 25 yards, the most by a Rams rookie tight end since 1990 …
Matthew Stafford to Terrance Ferguson for the TD! 💰
(via @NFL)pic.twitter.com/r4dom3x4ii
— ESPN (@espn) December 30, 2025
Edge/special teamer Jared Verse first blocked Mevis’ FG attempt, then caught it off a bounce and returned it 76 yards for a touchdown with 31 seconds remaining in the third quarter, pulling the Rams to within 24-17 …
Jared Verse did it ALL himself 🔥 pic.twitter.com/8MITydLmHx
— NFL (@NFL) December 30, 2025
Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua, on an 11-yard catch and run, tied the score with 2:46 remaining …
PUKA NACUA TO TIE UP THE GAME ‼️
(via @RamsNFL)pic.twitter.com/gDwbWF12pU
— ESPN (@espn) December 30, 2025
Gonzalez has connected on two field goals in four of his past six outings. The Falcons could have challenged for the division title if they signed him sooner …’
RIGHT. DOWN. THE. MIDDLE.
Zane Gonzalez drills the FG to put the @AtlantaFalcons up three with 21 seconds left.
LARvsATL on ESPN/ABC
Stream on @NFLPlus and ESPN App pic.twitter.com/xRkLknRxNE— NFL (@NFL) December 30, 2025
Final score: Falcons 27, Rams 24 …
We Love ATL pic.twitter.com/xczq2JTXDc
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) December 30, 2025
