Key Highlights
- The Los Angeles Rams travel to Atlanta for a critical Week 17 prime-time game against the Atlanta Falcons.
- The Rams need a win and some help from other teams to secure the No. 1 seed in the NFC playoffs.
- Matthew Stafford is having an MVP-caliber season, throwing for over 40 touchdowns despite missing key players.
- The Falcons have gathered momentum with two consecutive wins under Kirk Cousins’ leadership.
- The defensive performances of both teams will be crucial as they face off at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Monday night.
Pre-Game Analysis: Rams vs. Falcons Prime-Time Showdown
The Los Angeles Rams are heading into a must-win situation against the Atlanta Falcons in this week’s Week 17 prime-time game. The stakes could not be higher as the Rams aim to secure their position at the top of the NFC standings and potentially clinch the No. 1 seed for the playoffs.
Key Player Performances
In his 17th season, quarterback Matthew Stafford is having one of his best seasons yet. Heading into Monday’s matchup, Stafford has thrown for a league-leading 40 pass touchdowns and just five interceptions, despite missing key players like Davante Adams due to injury. His supporting cast, including Puka Nacua, continues to perform exceptionally well, contributing significantly to the Rams’ explosive offense.
Atlanta Falcons on a Roll
The Atlanta Falcons have gathered momentum in recent weeks, with two consecutive wins under quarterback Kirk Cousins. Running back Bijan Robinson has been a standout player, leading the league in scrimmage yards and showing promising signs for the future. Tight end Kyle Pitts is also emerging as a top performer, while wide receiver Drake London’s return adds another dimension to Atlanta’s offense.
Defensive Battles on Tap
The Rams defense has faced challenges over the last few games, allowing an average of 36 points per game. This trend could be concerning for head coach Sean McVay as they look toward the playoffs. On the other side, Atlanta’s defense is being disrupted by rookie players like James Pearce Jr., Jalon Walker, and Brandon Dorlus.
With both teams aiming to force mistakes, this defensive battle will be crucial.
Monday night’s game also carries added significance due to the Rams owning Atlanta’s 2026 first-round pick in the NFL draft. The Falcons traded up to secure Pearce in last year’s draft, making this matchup even more intriguing for both teams and their respective fan bases.
Injury Reports: Key Players Questionable
The Rams’ Davante Adams is listed as doubtful due to a hamstring injury, while Kevin Dotson and Braden Fiske are out with ankle injuries. For the Falcons, Mike Hughes and Drake London are questionable for Monday’s game, while Clark Phillips and Josh Woods are also out.
With such high stakes and key players potentially missing action, both teams will need to rely on their backups and depth to secure a victory. The Rams must hope that Stafford can perform at his MVP-caliber level once again, while the Falcons look for their offense to find a rhythm with Bijan Robinson leading the charge.
As the clock ticks down to 8:15 p.m. ET on Monday night, all eyes will be on Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, where this NFC showdown could shape the future of both teams’ playoff hopes and fortunes.
