NFL Playoffs 2018: Falcons vs. Rams highlights, game tracker and more

The Atlanta Falcons faced the Los Angeles Rams on Jan. 6, 2018, in the Wild Card Round of the NFC Playoffs. Here are highlights from the game.

In what could be the most exciting game of the opening round of the NFL playoffs, defending NFC champion, the Atlanta Falcons (10-6) travel west to face the upstart Los Angeles Rams (11-5).

It’s been a disappointing season, at times, for the Falcons, yet here they are with another chance to make a run at the Super Bowl. With Kyle Shanahan now in San Francisco, quarterback Matt Ryan struggled at times this season. He wasn’t bad, he just wasn’t as comfortable as he was in 2016. Despite taking a step back on offense, Atlanta still managed to finish No. 8 in total offense this season.

Where the Falcons have improved this season is on defense. Atlanta finished the 2017 season ranked No. 9 in total defense. The Falcons are strong against both the pass and the run and have playmakers at all three levels of their defense.

It’s been a dream season for the Rams. New head coach Sean McVay has changed the entire organization. McVay’s presence turned Jared Goff into one of the better quarterbacks in the NFC in just his second season after a nightmare rookie campaign. He also got running back Todd Gurley back on track and Gurley has an outside shot at the MVP award.

Defensively, veteran coordinator Wade Phillips has gotten just enough out of this unit to complement an outstanding offense. Led by All-Pro defensive tackle Aaron Donald, the Rams do a good job at getting after the quarterback. However, they are susceptible against the run, meaning Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman could be in store for a big game on Saturday evening.

Highlights

Next: 2018 NFL Mock Draft: QBs declare, rule first round

The Rams are a much different team than the one Atlanta destroyed in December 2016. Offensively, these are two of the better teams in the NFL. Can Goff outduel Ryan?