The Los Angeles Rams travel to Atlanta to face the Falcons on Monday Night Football in NFL Week 17. With an 11-4 record and a playoff spot secured, the Rams aim to bolster quarterback Matthew Stafford's MVP case. The 6-9 Falcons seek to play spoiler against a team they hope to emulate.
The Los Angeles Rams (11-4) meet the Atlanta Falcons (6-9) at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 29, 2025, for the season's last Monday Night Football game, kicking off at 8:15 p.m. ET on ESPN. The Rams have clinched a wild-card berth but cannot win the NFC West after recent results from other teams. Stafford, in his 17th season, leads the NFL with 40 touchdown passes and just five interceptions, positioning him strongly in the MVP race alongside New England's Drake Maye.
Atlanta's defense ranks third league-wide with 50 sacks, posing a challenge for the Rams' injury-hit offensive line. Right guard Kevin Dotson is out with an ankle injury, replaced by Justin Dedich, while left tackle Alaric Jackson misses his first game due to a knee issue, with David Quessenberry or DJ Humphries stepping in. Wide receiver Davante Adams, the NFL's touchdown reception leader, sits out with a hamstring injury. Other Rams inactives include cornerbacks Josh Wallace and Darious Williams, and running back Jarquez Hunter.
Falcons inactives are cornerback Mike Hughes, running back Nathan Carter, linebacker Josh Woods, offensive lineman Michael Jerrell, wide receivers Casey Washington and Malik Heath, and defensive lineman Kentavius Street. Rookie edge rusher James Pearce Jr., acquired via trade with the Rams, leads Atlanta with 8.5 sacks and has recorded at least a half-sack in seven consecutive games. Head coach Raheem Morris, who previously worked with the Rams, praised Stafford as "Weapon X," noting, "You are left in awe a lot."
Wide receiver Puka Nacua has been a standout for Los Angeles, leading the NFL with 114 receptions for 1,592 yards and eight touchdowns. Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich highlighted Nacua's energy, saying, "He’s such an energy giver to them." Stafford holds a 3-3 record against Atlanta, with eight career touchdowns and four interceptions versus the team. The Falcons, missing playoffs for an eighth straight year, aim to impress owner Arthur Blank amid uncertainty about coaching changes.
