The Los Angeles Rams visit the Atlanta Falcons for Monday Night Football in Week 17, with the Rams eyeing the NFC's top seed. Despite the Falcons' playoff elimination, their recent form could influence the postseason picture. The game airs on ESPN at 8:20 p.m. ET from Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
The Atlanta Falcons, holding a 6-9 record, welcome the 11-4 Los Angeles Rams to Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on December 29, 2025. This Week 17 matchup carries weight for the Rams, who remain in contention for the NFC's No. 1 seed and a potential Super Bowl berth at Levi's Stadium in February. The Falcons, eliminated from playoff hopes after a Week 14 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, have notched two consecutive victories, providing a test for the visiting team.
Los Angeles enters with a potent offense ranked first in DVOA, having scored at least 30 points in their last three games. Quarterback Matthew Stafford will rely on receivers Puka Nacua and the running backs Kyren Williams and Blake Corum, amid his MVP competition with New England's Drake Maye. The Rams' defense, third in DVOA according to FTN, poses a stern challenge. Notably, wide receiver Davante Adams, the NFL leader with 14 receiving touchdowns, is sidelined by a hamstring injury and listed among the inactives, alongside offensive tackles Alaric Jackson and Kevin Dotson, cornerbacks Josh Wallace and Darious Williams, and running back Jarquez Hunter.
For Atlanta, running back Bijan Robinson leads the league with 131.5 rushing yards per game, while tight end Kyle Pitts has recorded at least six receptions in four straight outings under quarterback Kirk Cousins. The Falcons' inactives include 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. Wide receiver Drake London, who was questionable with a knee injury, is active for the game.
Betting odds from BetMGM favor the Rams heavily: -375 moneyline, -7.5 spread, and a total of 50 points. USA TODAY Sports experts unanimously predict a Rams victory, with scores ranging from 30-20 to 34-21. In the NFC playoff picture, the Rams hold the No. 2 wild card spot behind the 13-3 Seahawks and 12-4 49ers in the West. There is no ManningCast for this broadcast, which features Joe Buck and Troy Aikman on ESPN, with Lisa Salters on the sideline.
