Falcons play spoiler to Matthew Stafford’s MVP and Bucs’ playoff hopes in thriller over Rams behind big game from Bijan Robinson

‏Falcons play spoiler to Matthew Stafford’s MVP and Bucs’ playoff hopes in thriller over Rams behind big game from Bijan Robinson

‏The Atlanta Falcons entered Monday night at 6-9 with nothing to play for. They didn’t get that memo against the playoff-bound Los Angeles Rams.

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‏Atlanta jumped out to a 21-0 halftime lead and held off a second-half Rams rally for a thrilling 27-24 win. The Rams tied the game at 24-24 late in the fourth quarter. But the Falcons responded to set up a game-winning field-goal attempt by Zane Gonzalez. He was good from 51 yards to secure the win and stave off a Falcons collapse.

‏Late no-call helps secure Falcons' win

‏The Rams missed on three deep shots to get into field-goal range in the game's final 21 seconds. On the second attempt to wide receiver Tutu Atwell, officials missed a potential pass interference call that would have set up the Rams in chip-shot FG range. Cornerback Dee Alford had a hold of Atwell's left arm, but officials didn't call pass interference, and the Falcons held on for the win.

‏Bad night for Stafford's MVP case

‏The loss could help keep the playoff-bound Rams in the NFC's No. 6 seed and block them from the No. 5 spot, which offers a tougher matchup in the wild-card round.

‏The No. 5 seed will travel to face the NFC South winner, which will either be the the Carolina Panthers or Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The No. 6 seed projects to travel to face either the Philadelphia Eagles or Chicago Bears. Seeding won't be finalized until the dust settles on Week 18.

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‏Monday's result also plays a significant factor in two late-season NFL storylines.

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‏The Falcons intercepted Matthew Stafford three times, including a pick 6, delivering a blow to his MVP hopes in what’s largely seen as a two-man race with Patriots quarterback Drake Maye. The pick 6 by Jessie Bates III spotted the Falcons a 14-0 lead in the first half.