Six takeaways from Falcons' Week 17 win over the Los Angeles Rams

The Atlanta Falcons found a way to win a game that few felt they had a chance in, defeating the Los Angeles Rams 27-24 on Monday night for their third straight victory. Atlanta's defense turned in a gutsy performance against MVP favorite Matthew Stafford.

The Falcons intercepted Stafford three times and came up with some key stops throughout the game. The fact that Atlanta had nothing to play for but pride makes Monday night's win even more impressive. Here are six takeaways from the Falcons' Week 17 victory over the Rams.

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Falcons defense shuts out Rams in first half

The Rams were held scoreless in the first half for just the third time in the Sean McVay era. The Falcons limited the Los Angeles to 80 passing yards, 26 rushing yards, and forced two interceptions in the first half alone. Jeff Ulbrich's unit was mixing things up all night, which is the only way to beat an offense of that caliber.

Xavier Watts ties Deion Sanders for rookie INT record

Watts has been sensational all season long. Atlanta acquired the former Notre Dame standout in the third round of the 2025 NFL draft with a pick that was acquired as part of the James Pearce trade. Watts made the Falcons proud on Monday night, intercepting Matthew Stafford twice and tying Deion Sanders for the most picks by a Falcons rookie with five. Watts is a star, there's no denying it.

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Bijan Robinson goes wild, again

Robinson had 11 carries for 125 yards in the first half alone. The third-year running back helped the Falcons take a 21-0 lead in the first half with his 93-yard touchdown run. He didn't let off, rushing for 195 yards and adding 34 receiving yards and another touchdown. Robinson is the best all-around running back in the NFL, and Monday's game was just another day at the office.

Falcons blew 21-point lead, still found way to win

After trailing 21-0 in the first half, the Rams fought back to tie the game at 24 with two minutes left in the game. The Falcons had an answer, though, and got into field goal range to take a 27-24 lead. The Rams nearly found a way to tie it up but Matthew Stafford's final pass attempt fell incomplete. Zane Gonzalez came up with some clutch kicks to keep the pressure on. Then, with the collapse staring them in the face, the Falcons stepped up and shut the door on the Rams' comeback attempt.

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Raheem Morris may have just saved his job

That brings us to our next point. Head coach Raheem Morris deserves credit for getting the Falcons to play like their hair was on fire. The Rams couldn't match Atlanta's intensity, and even with nothing to play for, the Falcons certainly played like it meant something to them. If Atlanta wins in Week 18, we would expect Morris to stick around. The Falcons have played their best football against the best competition this season. The development of their young talent will likely be a deciding factor for Arthur Blank.

What's next for Falcons?

The Falcons will close out the 2025 NFL season at home against the New Orleans Saints next Sunday. The Saints got off to a slow start but have been playing good football over the last few weeks. Rookie quarterback Tyler Shough has passed for 1,792 yards, seven touchdowns and five interceptions. The Saints have won four straight games to improve to 6-10.

This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Falcons defeat Rams: Recap of 27-24 win in NFL Week 17