In a defensive battle on Monday Night Football, the Atlanta Falcons (7-7) ended their four-game losing streak with a 15-9 victory over the struggling Las Vegas Raiders (2-12). The win keeps Atlanta just one game behind the first-place Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the tight NFC South race and strengthens their playoff hopes with three games remaining. Meanwhile, the Raiders dropped their 10th consecutive game, tied for the NFL’s worst record with the New York Giants, as the focus in Las Vegas shifts more toward draft position than postseason aspirations.
Amid mounting questions about his performance, Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins delivered just enough to secure the win. Cousins, who signed a four-year, $180 million contract this past offseason, had struggled mightily leading up to Week 15 with no touchdowns and eight interceptions in his previous four games. Despite speculation about rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. taking over, head coach Raheem Morris stood by Cousins—and while the veteran didn’t silence all doubts, he made a key play early.
Cousins completed a 30-yard touchdown pass to a wide-open Drake London with 14 seconds remaining in the first quarter, marking his first scoring toss since November 3rd against the Dallas Cowboys. Cousins finished the game with a modest 112 passing yards, one interception, and the lone touchdown.
Atlanta’s scoring was rounded out by two Younghoe Koo field goals and a safety courtesy of defensive lineman Zach Harrison. On the ground, rookie running back Bijan Robinson led the offense with 125 rushing yards, providing a much-needed spark for an otherwise sluggish Falcons attack.
London’s touchdown catch added to his growing legacy, as the third-year wide receiver surpassed Calvin Ridley for the most receptions in Falcons history over a player’s first three seasons. London now has 219 career catches, eclipsing Ridley’s mark of 217.
For the Raiders, who have now lost 10 straight games—the NFL’s longest active losing streak—offensive struggles once again took center stage. Starting in place of the injured Aidan O’Connell (bruised knee), former Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder faced his old team for the first time but had little success for much of the night. Ridder threw for 208 yards, a late touchdown, and two costly interceptions.
Ridder’s lone touchdown came with just under three minutes left in the fourth quarter, a 5-yard pass to running back Ameer Abdullah to bring the Raiders within six. However, the extra point was blocked—Atlanta’s third blocked kick or punt of the game—leaving the Raiders with a steep climb to complete the comeback.
After forcing a Falcons punt, Las Vegas had one final opportunity. On fourth-and-8, Ridder connected for a crucial conversion to extend the drive and set up two desperation throws into the end zone. Both passes fell short of the mark, as Jessie Bates III intercepted Ridder’s second attempt to seal the Falcons’ victory.
Injuries have decimated the Raiders’ roster, contributing to their season-long struggles. Defensive leader Maxx Crosby announced Saturday that he would undergo season-ending ankle surgery, further weakening an already depleted defense. The Raiders were also without half of their defensive starters and lost starting running back Sincere McCormick to an ankle injury early in the second quarter.
Despite their depleted lineup, the Raiders’ defense kept the game within reach, limiting Atlanta to just one touchdown and forcing multiple punts. However, Las Vegas’ offensive inefficiency and untimely mistakes proved too costly to overcome.
The Falcons remain firmly in the NFC South playoff hunt, with a favorable remaining schedule that includes games against the struggling New York Giants and Carolina Panthers—teams with a combined five wins—sandwiched around a critical Week 17 matchup against the 9-5 Washington Commanders. Atlanta also holds the head-to-head tiebreaker over Tampa Bay, which will prove pivotal if the race stays close.
The Buccaneers, however, face a similarly manageable schedule down the stretch, setting up a potentially thrilling finish to determine the division winner.
Atlanta returns home to face the New York Giants on Sunday, looking to build on their momentum. Las Vegas hosts the Jacksonville Jaguars as they aim to snap their 10-game skid and salvage some pride in a lost season.
While the Falcons remain focused on the postseason, the Raiders are left to contemplate their path forward and a likely high draft pick in 2025.
