Falcons Upset Rams 27-24 as Robinson Runs for 195 Yards/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The Atlanta Falcons stunned the Los Angeles Rams with a 27-24 upset, fueled by Bijan Robinson’s 195 rushing yards and a last-minute 51-yard field goal by Zane Gonzalez. Despite blowing two 21-point leads, Atlanta recovered to win, dealing the Rams a second straight loss. The Rams now face a road playoff path, while Robinson set a new franchise record for scrimmage yards in a season.
Falcons vs Rams Game Quick Looks
- Falcons beat Rams 27-24 on Gonzalez’s 51-yard game-winner
- Bijan Robinson runs for 195 yards, scores two touchdowns
- Robinson breaks Falcons’ all-time scrimmage yards record
- Rams fall to 11-5, drop to third in NFC West
- Stafford throws 3 INTs, ties game late but can’t win
- Xavier Watts and Jessie Bates III record key interceptions
- Jarred Verse blocks FG, returns it for Rams touchdown
- Falcons extend win streak to three games
Deep Look
Falcons Shock Rams 27-24 Behind Bijan Robinson’s Record Performance and Gonzalez’s Game-Winning Kick
ATLANTA — The Los Angeles Rams saw their playoff momentum stall Monday night as the Atlanta Falcons pulled off a dramatic 27-24 upset, capped by a 51-yard field goal from Zane Gonzalez with just 21 seconds left on the clock.
Rookie running back Bijan Robinson led the way for the Falcons with a sensational 195-yard rushing performance, including a 93-yard touchdown run — the longest in franchise history. Robinson added 34 receiving yards and a touchdown catch, finishing with 229 scrimmage yards and surpassing William Andrews’ 1983 record to set a new franchise single-season mark with 2,255 yards.
Atlanta (7-9) appeared in total control early, racing to a 21-0 halftime lead and extending it to 24-3 in the third quarter. The defense chipped in with big plays, including a 34-yard interception return touchdown by Jessie Bates III and two key picks by rookie Xavier Watts.
However, the Rams (11-5), who began the night as the NFL’s top offense, refused to fold. Quarterback Matthew Stafford overcame three interceptions to lead a late-game rally. His 11-yard touchdown pass to rookie Puka Nacua tied the game at 24 with just under three minutes left, capping a comeback from a 21-point deficit.
Despite the Rams’ surge, the Falcons held their nerve. Quarterback Kirk Cousins led a final drive that positioned Gonzalez for his game-winning kick, stunning the Rams and their playoff ambitions.
Bijan Breaks Loose
Robinson’s 93-yard run — the longest play from scrimmage in the NFL this season — showcased his elite vision and speed. The play came after a Stafford interception gave Atlanta the ball deep in its own territory.
“He’s a special player,” said Cousins. “What he can do in both the run and pass game is rare. That run? Incredible.”
Robinson also credited his blockers, including wide receiver Drake London, for the explosive touchdown. “It takes everybody for those kinds of runs to happen,” Robinson said.
Stafford’s Costly Turnovers
Stafford entered the game with only five interceptions this season but matched that total with three costly picks in Atlanta. His second interception led directly to Robinson’s long touchdown run, and his third — also grabbed by Watts — halted a fourth-quarter drive deep in Falcons territory.
The veteran quarterback finished 22 of 38 for 269 yards, two touchdowns, and three interceptions. Despite the comeback effort, Stafford admitted he fell short.
“I didn’t make the throws I needed to,” he said. “That’s on me.”
Blocked Kick Sparks Momentum for Rams
Trailing 24-10 late in the third quarter, the Rams got a massive boost when defensive end Jarred Verse blocked a 37-yard field goal attempt by Gonzalez. He then recovered the ball and returned it 76 yards for a touchdown — the Rams’ first blocked field goal returned for a touchdown since 1986.
The play energized Los Angeles and helped fuel their late-game surge.
Falcons Defense Stands Tall
Despite blowing a 21-point lead, the Falcons defense came through when it mattered most. Watts’ second interception and A.J. Terrell’s coverage on Nacua limited the Rams’ top playmakers.
Head coach Raheem Morris praised the effort. “I think the defensive staff did a great job again, limiting a great football player,” Morris said of Terrell’s work on Nacua, who was held to just five catches for 47 yards.
Playoff Picture Shifts for Rams
With the loss, the Rams dropped to third in the NFC West and are now locked into opening the playoffs on the road. Head coach Sean McVay confirmed that starters will play in the regular-season finale against Arizona, despite the playoff spot being secured.
“This is a humbling league, and we got humbled tonight,” McVay said. “We’ve got to play through it.”
Injury Report
- Rams: Wide receiver Davante Adams (hamstring), right guard Kevin Dotson (ankle), and left tackle Alaric Jackson (ankle) were inactive. RB Blake Corum exited in the second quarter with a right ankle injury and did not return. Safety Jaylen McCollough (hip) was questionable to return.
- Falcons: Defensive lineman Brandon Dorlus left in the third quarter with a left knee injury. CB Mike Ford Jr. was questionable with an ankle issue. CB Mike Hughes missed his second straight game, while ILB Josh Woods was inactive due to a personal matter.
Up Next
- Rams: Host the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, looking to improve on their 6-1 home record before the playoffs.
- Falcons: Close the season at home against NFC South rival New Orleans Saints. Atlanta previously beat the Saints 24-10 on Nov. 23.
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