By the end of the 2025 NFL season, the Atlanta Falcons will host the Los Angeles Rams. Beyond just a potential win, this game holds major significance for Matthew Stafford‘s team and its future.
In 2021, the Rams made a franchise-altering decision by acquiring Matthew Stafford. He had a solid tenure with the Lions, but his move to LA changed everything for him.
In his first season in California, Stafford led the Rams to victory in Super Bowl LVI against the Bengals. The team expects him to deliver at least one more title, which is why they gave him a contract extension this offseason.
Rams vs. Falcons in Week 17 will be more than just a regular-season game for LA
The schedule for the 2025 NFL season has already been released. While every team has circled matchups based on the strength of their opponents, for the Rams, one game stands out for a different reason.
The Rams and Falcons aren’t traditional rivals. However, their Week 17 matchup in Atlanta is expected to be intense due to a key trade made earlier this year.
During the 2025 NFL Draft, the Falcons made a deal with the Rams to acquire the 26th overall pick. With it, Atlanta selected pass rusher James Pearce Jr. to bolster their defense.
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But the trade came at a steep price. The Falcons sent their 2026 first-round pick to the Rams, giving LA a vested interest in Atlanta’s performance this season.
The Falcons aren’t seen as strong contenders in 2025. If the Rams beat them in Week 17, they could increase the chances of landing a high first-round pick in 2026 — all in exchange for what was the No. 26 pick this year.
Even if the Rams’ postseason hopes are already decided by then, this game could still shape their future. LA will likely approach it with playoff-like intensity, aiming to hand the Falcons another loss and boost the value of their acquired draft pick.
