In a game that had it all — explosive plays, massive momentum swings, defensive heroics, and a heart-stopping finish — the Atlanta Falcons delivered one of the most memorable performances of the 2025 season, stunning the Los Angeles Rams 27-24 on Monday Night Football at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Despite entering the contest at 6-9 and already eliminated from playoff contention, the Falcons (now 7-9) showed the NFL they still have plenty of fight left under head coach Raheem Morris.
Falcons Beat Rams in Monday Night Classic
They jumped out to a commanding lead, blew it, watched the high-powered Rams mount a furious comeback, and then found a way to seal the deal in the final seconds.
Bijan Robinson Steals the Show
The star of the night was undeniably running back Bijan Robinson, who put together a career-defining performance.
The third-year standout rushed for 195 yards on the ground and added 34 receiving yards, totaling 229 scrimmage yards — a new single-game franchise record.
His most memorable moment came late in the second quarter when he exploded for a 93-yard touchdown run, the longest in Falcons history, after a Matthew Stafford interception set up the score.
Robinson also found the end zone through the air with a 4-yard touchdown reception from Kirk Cousins, capping an electric first half that saw Atlanta build a shocking 21-0 lead.
The Rams, who entered the week leading the NFL in scoring and total yards, were completely shut out in the opening 30 minutes — just the third time that’s happened in the Sean McVay era.
Defensive Dominance Early, Drama Late
The Falcons’ defense was suffocating in the first half, forcing three interceptions from Stafford (who finished 22-of-38 for 269 yards, 2 TDs, and 3 INTs).
Safety Jessie Bates III returned one of those picks 34 yards for a touchdown, while the unit bottled up the Rams’ high-octane offense until the third quarter.
Los Angeles refused to go quietly. A blocked field goal by rookie edge rusher Jared Verse, who returned it 76 yards for a touchdown, swung momentum dramatically.
Stafford then connected on scoring strikes to tight end Terrance Ferguson and receiver Puka Nacua (an 11-yard TD with 2:46 remaining) to tie the game at 24-24 after Atlanta had led 24-3 early in the second half.
Clutch Finish in the Clutch
With the stadium rocking and the game on the line, Kirk Cousins led a composed 9-play, 32-yard drive in the final minutes.
The veteran quarterback methodically moved the chains, setting up veteran kicker Zane Gonzalez for a 51-yard field goal with just 21 seconds left. Gonzalez drilled it down the middle, sending the home crowd into a frenzy and securing the Falcons’ third straight victory.
What It Means Moving Forward
This win provides a massive morale boost for an Atlanta squad looking to build momentum heading into 2026.
Robinson’s historic night — he also broke William Andrews’ franchise record for most scrimmage yards in a season — solidified his status as one of the league’s elite playmakers.
For the Rams (11-5), the loss is a tough blow as they head into their final regular-season game with playoff seeding still on the line. They’ll need to regroup quickly.
Final Score: Falcons 27, Rams 24
Key Stats:
- Bijan Robinson: 195 rush yds, 93-yd TD, 34 rec yds, 4-yd rec TD
- Kirk Cousins: Efficient management in clutch moments
- Zane Gonzalez: Game-winning 51-yd FG
- Jessie Bates III: Pick-six
- Jared Verse: Blocked FG + 76-yd return TD (Rams)
Final Word
The Falcons close out the regular season next Sunday at home against the New Orleans Saints. After Monday’s thriller, Mercedes-Benz Stadium will be buzzing once again.
Rise up, Atlanta — this one’s for the fans!