Bijan Robinson scores 3 TDs as Falcons beat Lions 51-34

Atlanta, GA - Bijan Robinson rushed for a game-high 165 yards and three touchdowns as the Atlanta Falcons defeated the Detroit Lions 51-34 in Week 13, extending their winning streak to five games.

Robinson carried 22 times, the most by any player in the game, and broke a game-long 53-yard run. His production headlined an Atlanta rushing attack that finished with 237 yards, compared with 90 for Detroit. The Falcons entered the matchup at 8-3 after four consecutive victories and emerged at 9-3 with another high-scoring result.

Anthony Richardson Sr added a different dimension on the ground, rushing eight times for 62 yards and two touchdowns. Between Robinson's three scores and Richardson's two, Atlanta received five rushing touchdowns from its backfield and quarterback.

"With that many opportunities, my job was to get something out of each one," Robinson said. "Three touchdowns feels good, but the win and the streak are what matter. We have to keep building from this."

Richardson's passing numbers were far less productive than his rushing line. He completed 12 of 22 attempts for 163 yards, threw two interceptions and finished with a 40.5 passer rating. His longest completion covered 48 yards. Drake London led Atlanta's receivers with 84 yards on four catches, including that 48-yard gain.

The contrast between Richardson's work through the air and on the ground was one of the clearest features of Atlanta's offensive performance. His 47-yard run accompanied the two rushing scores, while Robinson supplied the largest share of the Falcons' yardage on 25 total touches.

"I have to be cleaner with the football," Richardson said. "The interceptions are on me. I was able to contribute with my legs, but there are still things I need to correct. Scoring 51 and getting another win gives us something positive to take forward."

Detroit countered with a prolific passing performance from Jared Goff. The Lions quarterback completed 30 of 39 passes for 343 yards and three touchdowns, posting a 128.4 passer rating. His 343 yards were the game high, and his longest completion went for 59 yards.

Jameson Williams was Goff's leading target, catching eight passes for a game-high 157 yards and a touchdown. His 59-yard reception was also the longest catch of the game. Sam LaPorta added eight receptions for 95 yards and a score, giving Detroit two pass catchers with eight receptions apiece.

Jahmyr Gibbs provided the Lions' rushing production with 90 yards and a touchdown on 10 carries. His longest run covered 44 yards, but Detroit finished with less than half of Atlanta's rushing total.

"There was a lot of production in the passing game, but the result is what stays with you," Goff said. "We scored 34 points and still came away with a loss. That's frustrating, and we have to take an honest look at the entire performance."

The final score did not follow the overall yardage totals. Detroit finished with 417 offensive yards and 20 first downs, while Atlanta recorded 400 offensive yards and 17 first downs. The Falcons, however, converted four of nine third-down attempts; the Lions went 2-for-9.

The defensive numbers created another unusual contrast. Detroit recorded two interceptions but no sacks, while Atlanta finished with two sacks and no interceptions. Despite Goff's efficient passing line and the Lions' advantage in offensive yards, the Falcons finished with a 17-point victory and pushed their winning streak from four games to five.

Up Next

Atlanta will take its five-game winning streak on the road against the Cleveland Browns in Week 14, while Detroit will return home looking to rebound against the Tennessee Titans.