Falcons Ground Rams with 31-15 NFC Wild Card Victory

ATLANTA, GA — The Atlanta Falcons soared past the Los Angeles Rams in a decisive 31-15 NFC Wild Card win at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Led by a balanced offensive attack and a defense that kept the Rams at bay, the Falcons showcased why they earned the No. 3 seed. With efficient play from quarterback Kirk Cousins and a powerful ground game led by Tyler Allgeier and Bijan Robinson, Atlanta now advances to the Divisional Round with momentum on their side.

Game Recap

The Falcons took control early in the game with a well-balanced offensive approach that kept the Rams guessing. Quarterback Kirk Cousins provided a steady hand for Atlanta, completing 10 of 23 passes for 228 yards and two touchdowns. His efficient passing set the tone for the Falcons, but it was Atlanta’s dynamic run game that truly wore down Los Angeles.

Tyler Allgeier led the ground attack with 112 rushing yards on 22 carries, consistently breaking through tackles and extending drives. Complementing him was rookie Bijan Robinson, who added 87 yards on 15 carries and a touchdown of his own. Together, Allgeier and Robinson pounded the Rams’ defense, establishing a rhythm that opened up the passing game.

Cousins took advantage of this balanced attack, connecting with his playmakers downfield. Kyle Pitts delivered a highlight-reel performance, including a 95-yard touchdown that electrified the crowd and set the tone for the game. Pitts finished with 123 receiving yards and a touchdown, making him a threat in Atlanta’s aerial assault. Rondale Moore also contributed with two catches for 50 yards and a touchdown, giving Cousins a reliable target on intermediate routes.

The Rams struggled to match the Falcons’ offensive efficiency. Matthew Stafford threw for 224 yards and two touchdowns, going 18-of-33, but the Falcons’ defense kept him under pressure, forcing him into quick throws and limiting big-play opportunities. Kyren Williams led the Rams’ ground game with 68 rushing yards, but Atlanta’s defense prevented any sustained rhythm.

In the passing game, Tutu Atwell emerged as a deep threat, catching four passes for 107 yards, including a long touchdown that kept the Rams within reach. Tyler Higbee contributed 52 yards on four catches, while Cooper Kupp was held to just 23 yards on four receptions. Puka Nacua added a late touchdown, but the Rams’ offense struggled to find consistency against Atlanta’s balanced defense.

By the fourth quarter, Atlanta had built a comfortable lead, and their defense continued to stifle any Rams comeback attempts. With a well-rounded performance on both sides of the ball, the Falcons secured a 31-15 victory, sending them into the next round with confidence.

Key Stats

• Kirk Cousins: 15-of-21, 228 passing yards, 2 touchdowns, 0 interceptions.
• Tyler Allgeier: 18 carries, 112 rushing yards.
• Bijan Robinson: 12 carries, 87 rushing yards, 1 touchdown.
• Kyle Pitts: 3 receptions, 119 receiving yards, 1 touchdown.
• Drake London: 5 receptions, 55 receiving yards, 1 touchdown.
• Matthew Stafford (LAR): 18-of-33, 224 passing yards, 2 touchdowns, 0 interceptions.
• Kyren Williams (LAR): 9 carries, 68 rushing yards.
• Tutu Atwell (LAR): 4 receptions, 107 receiving yards, 1 touchdown.
• Puka Nacua (LAR): 3 receptions, 22 receiving yards, 1 touchdown.

Atlanta’s offense thrived on its balance, with Cousins spreading the ball effectively and the duo of Allgeier and Robinson controlling the ground game. The Falcons’ defense also stepped up, applying pressure to Stafford and limiting Los Angeles’s ability to generate explosive plays.

Quotes from the Field

After the game, Kirk Cousins praised the Falcons’ offensive balance. “When you’ve got guys like Tyler and Bijan running the ball, it opens up everything in the passing game,” Cousins said. “The line did a fantastic job giving us time, and Kyle [Pitts] came through with some big plays. This is a team win.”

Kyle Pitts, who electrified the crowd with his 95-yard touchdown, highlighted the team’s preparation. “We knew we had a chance to hit on some big plays, and Kirk put it right on the money,” Pitts said. “We just wanted to execute and take advantage of what the defense gave us.”

Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford expressed disappointment but gave credit to Atlanta’s defense. “They kept us off-balance all game,” Stafford admitted. “We couldn’t get the momentum we needed, and they did a great job making adjustments. We’ve got to learn from this and come back stronger.”

Up Next

With their Wild Card victory, the Falcons advance to the NFC Divisional Round, where they’ll face the 2nd-seeded San Francisco 49ers. The 49ers are coming off a strong win over the 7th-seeded Panthers, setting up an exciting clash between two well-rounded teams. Atlanta will look to carry their balanced offensive attack and solid defensive play into San Francisco as they aim for a spot in the NFC Championship.