The Atlanta Falcons are limping toward the finish line of a season that’s gone sideways in just about every way. At 6-9 and officially out of the playoff picture, they’ve been stuck in neutral for weeks-even in the underwhelming NFC South. But with two games left, there’s still some pride on the line, and a chance to end the year on a more competitive note.
This Monday night brings a real test-and maybe a real opportunity. The Falcons welcome a Los Angeles Rams team that’s very much in the playoff hunt, and while the Rams are playing for January, Atlanta’s playing for something a little harder to quantify: momentum, evaluation, and maybe a bit of redemption.
One potential break for the Falcons? Star wide receiver Davante Adams could be sidelined for the rest of the regular season. That absence changes the equation for LA’s offense-and the Falcons’ defense is paying attention.
“They're playing well,” said Falcons safety Jessie Bates III, who’s been a bright spot in an otherwise rocky season. “With Davante Adams out last week, they showed a little more want to run the ball.
That's always what they want to do. But you see a lot of big people last week with them trying to run the ball.”
Bates isn’t just throwing out generalities. The Rams leaned heavily on the ground game in their Week 16 shootout loss to the Seahawks.
Running backs Kyren Williams and Blake Corum combined for 37 carries, and while LA ultimately fell 38-37 in overtime, the commitment to the run was unmistakable. That’s a clear signal from Sean McVay-expect more of the same in Week 17.
Now, that doesn't mean the Rams are one-dimensional. Far from it.
Rookie sensation Puka Nacua went off last week, hauling in 12 catches for 225 yards and two touchdowns. Even without Adams, this Rams offense has firepower.
But McVay’s game plan likely starts with establishing the run-and that's where Atlanta has to tighten the screws.
That’s easier said than done. The Falcons have struggled all year defending the run, giving up 128.2 rushing yards per game-eighth-worst in the league.
Whether it’s missed assignments, poor tackling, or getting pushed around at the line, the problems have been consistent. And against a Rams team that’s willing to pound the rock, that’s a dangerous combination.
Still, this game offers the Falcons a chance to show something. Not just to fans, but to ownership, coaches, and each other.
There are big questions looming this offseason-about the coaching staff, the quarterback position, and the overall direction of the franchise. But before those decisions get made, there’s football left to play.
Beating a playoff-caliber team like the Rams won’t fix what’s gone wrong this year. But it could be a step toward building something better in 2026.
And for a team that’s been searching for identity and consistency, that’s not nothing. Monday night in Mercedes-Benz Stadium is a chance to punch back-and maybe, finally, put together a complete game against a tough opponent.