Commanders Edge Falcons in Overtime Thriller, 30-24I

In Week 17’s matchup at Northwest Stadium, the Atlanta Falcons and Washington Commanders delivered a dramatic game defined by contrasting halves and a nail-biting overtime finish. The Falcons dominated the first half, showcasing their ground game, while the Commanders surged back in the second to seal a 30-24 victory in overtime. The loss dealt a significant blow to Atlanta’s playoff hopes.

Falcons’ Performance

Atlanta’s offense gained 337 total yards, with 211 through the air and 126 on the ground. This marked the Falcons’ fifth consecutive game surpassing 115 rushing yards, their ninth-longest streak in franchise history.

Defensively, Atlanta registered five sacks, extending their streak of three or more sacks to five games — the first time they’ve achieved this since 1997. That streak is also the longest active one in the NFL.

Key Player Performances

•QB Michael Penix Jr.

Rookie Michael Penix Jr. completed 19-of-35 passes for 223 yards and recorded his first career NFL touchdown. He connected with TE Kyle Pitts on a crucial fourth-down play late in the fourth quarter to tie the game at 24.

•RB Bijan Robinson

Bijan Robinson continued his stellar season, rushing for two touchdowns in the first half. This marked his fourth multi-touchdown game of the year, giving him 12 rushing scores and 13 total touchdowns. Robinson’s back-to-back games with multiple rushing touchdowns make him the first Falcon to achieve this since Devonta Freeman in 2016.

Robinson’s 12 rushing touchdowns are the most by a Falcon since Michael Turner in 2010, and his four multi-rushing touchdown games are tied for second in the league this season. With 98 scrimmage yards, Robinson surpassed 1,700 for the season, joining Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry as the only players to reach that milestone this year.

•WR Drake London

London had a stellar night, catching seven passes for 106 yards, which pushed him over 1,000 receiving yards for the first time in his career. He now has 1,084 yards this season and has led the Falcons in receiving yards in eight games. London’s consistency this season is highlighted by his 13 games with at least 50 receiving yards, the third-best mark in the NFL.

•TE Kyle Pitts

Pitts caught a game-tying 13-yard touchdown with 1:23 remaining, his fourth touchdown of the season. He finished the game with four receptions for 44 yards.

•S Jessie Bates III

Bates recorded his first career sack and led the team with 12 tackles (seven solo), marking his fourth game this season as Atlanta’s leading tackler.

•ILB Kaden Elliss

Elliss notched his first career interception, returning it 12 yards, and added nine tackles (seven solo). He made franchise history by becoming the first Falcon to record 100-plus tackles, five-plus sacks, and an interception in a single season.

•ILB JD Bertrand

Rookie JD Bertrand tallied his first career sack for a 13-yard loss and finished with three solo tackles.

Game Recap

The Falcons struck early with Bijan Robinson scoring two rushing touchdowns in the first half. Atlanta’s defense stood strong, stifling the Commanders and creating opportunities with key plays, including Kaden Elliss’ interception.

After halftime, the Commanders adjusted, capitalizing on a slowed Falcons offense. The Commanders surged back in the second to seal a 30-24 victory in overtime, highlighted by a decisive touchdown drive. Penix Jr.’s late-game heroics kept Atlanta alive in regulation, but Washington ultimately took control when it mattered most.

Looking Ahead

With the loss, the Falcons will need to regroup and rely on standout performances from Bijan Robinson, Drake London, and their surging defense as they prepare to face the Carolina Panthers (4-12) on January 5 at 1 p.m. in Mercedes-Benz Stadium. According to The Athletic’s playoff predictor, Atlanta has less than a 12% chance to make the postseason. To keep their playoff hopes alive, the Falcons must defeat the Panthers and hope the New Orleans Saints (5-11) upset the NFC South-leading Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-7) at the same time. A strong finish is critical for Atlanta’s slim postseason aspirations.