Game story
In Week 18 of the 2017 NFL season on 2018-01-06, the Atlanta Falcons took care of business against the Los Angeles Rams, pulling away with a 26–13 final that built a comfortable lead.
The highest-scoring period was Q2 with 17 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
J. Goff (Los Angeles Rams) paced the passing game, with -4.01 total EPA, and -9.8% completion percentage over expected.
On the individual side, R. Woods (Los Angeles Rams) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +12.86 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (+20.5% win probability) landed in the opening quarter when Atlanta Falcons changed the game: (8:56) 5-M.Bosher punts 43 yards to LA 43, Center-47-J.Harris. 24-B.Countess MUFFS catch, touched at LA 30, RECOVERED by ATL-53-L.Reynolds at LA 17. 53-L.Reynolds to LA 17 for no gain (83-J.Reynolds).
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta Falcons | 6 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 0 | 26 |
| Los Angeles Rams | 0 | 10 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 13 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 R. Woods · Los Angeles Rams · Receiving · +12.86 total EPA · 14 snaps · +0.92 EPA/play
- 2 Ju. Jones · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +7.26 total EPA · 10 snaps · +0.73 EPA/play
- 3 M. Ryan · Atlanta Falcons · Passing · +6.23 total EPA · 35 snaps · +0.18 EPA/play
- 4 M. Sanu · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +3.32 total EPA · 8 snaps · +0.42 EPA/play
- 5 T. Gurley · Los Angeles Rams · Rushing · +3.06 total EPA · 14 snaps · +0.22 EPA/play
- 6 T. Coleman · Atlanta Falcons · Receiving · +2.82 total EPA · 3 snaps · +0.94 EPA/play
- 7 M. Ryan · Atlanta Falcons · Rushing · +1.55 total EPA · 4 snaps · +0.39 EPA/play
- 8 Ju. Jones · Atlanta Falcons · Rushing · +0.99 total EPA · 1 snaps · +0.99 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
R. Woods — LA · Receiving
R. Woods posted the highest total EPA (+12.86) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Los Angeles Rams's efficiency. Across 14 counted snaps, they averaged +0.92 EPA per play.
The signature play (+7.11 EPA) came from Atlanta Falcons: (8:56) 5-M.Bosher punts 43 yards to LA 43, Center-47-J.Harris. 24-B.Countess MUFFS catch, touched at LA 30, RECOVERED by ATL-53-L.Reynolds at LA 17. 53-L.Reynolds to LA 17 for no gain (83-J.Reynolds). The Replay Official
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Atlanta Falcons — D. Freeman
- Los Angeles Rams — C. Kupp (J. Goff pass)
- Atlanta Falcons — M. Ryan
Field goals
- Atlanta Falcons — M. Bryant
- Atlanta Falcons — M. Bryant
- Los Angeles Rams — S. Ficken
- Atlanta Falcons — M. Bryant
- Atlanta Falcons — M. Bryant
- Los Angeles Rams — S. Ficken
How it unfolded, quarter by quarter
A quarter-by-quarter recap built from live scoring plays and play descriptions.
The opening quarter: Atlanta Falcons won the period 6–0. Atlanta Falcons connected on a field goal from the LA 11 (Q1 52:17) — (7:17) 3-M.Bryant 29 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher.; Atlanta Falcons connected on a field goal from the LA 33 (Q1 46:28) — (1:28) 3-M.Bryant 51 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher..
The second quarter: Los Angeles Rams won the period 10–7. Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the LA 3 (Q2 41:40) — (11:40) 24-D.Freeman up the middle for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Atlanta Falcons added 1 points from the LA 15 (Q2 41:34) — 3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher.; Los Angeles Rams found the end zone from the ATL 14 (Q2 32:40) — (2:40) (Shotgun) 16-J.Goff pass short left to 18-C.Kupp for 14 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Los Angeles Rams added 1 points from the ATL 15 (Q2 32:34) — 5-S.Ficken extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-6-J.Hekker.; Los Angeles Rams connected on a field goal from the ATL 17 (Q2 30:08) — (:08) 5-S.Ficken 35 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-6-J.Hekker..
The third quarter: Atlanta Falcons won the period 6–0. Atlanta Falcons connected on a field goal from the LA 7 (Q3 21:48) — (6:48) 3-M.Bryant 25 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher.; Atlanta Falcons connected on a field goal from the LA 36 (Q3 15:24) — (:24) 3-M.Bryant 54 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher..
The fourth quarter: Atlanta Falcons won the period 7–3. Los Angeles Rams connected on a field goal from the ATL 13 (Q4 10:54) — (10:54) 5-S.Ficken 32 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-6-J.Hekker.; Atlanta Falcons found the end zone from the LA 8 (Q4 5:54) — (5:54) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short right to 11-Ju.Jones for 8 yards, TOUCHDOWN [98-C.Barwin].; Atlanta Falcons added 1 points from the LA 15 (Q4 5:48) — 3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- Atlanta Falcons (Q1 53:56) — (8:56) 5-M.Bosher punts 43 yards to LA 43, Center-47-J.Harris. 24-B.Countess MUFFS catch, touched at LA 30, RECOVERED by ATL-53-L.Reynolds at LA 17. 53-L.Reynolds to LA 17 for no gain (83-J.Reynolds).
- Los Angeles Rams (Q1 46:23) — 5-M.Bosher kicks 58 yards from ATL 35 to LA 7. 10-P.Cooper to LA 28 for 21 yards (27-D.Kazee). FUMBLES (27-D.Kazee), RECOVERED by ATL-36-K.Ishmael at LA 32. 36-K.Ishmael to LA 32 for no gain (54-B.Hag
- Los Angeles Rams (Q4 13:37) — (13:37) 30-T.Gurley left tackle to ATL 20 for 33 yards (37-R.Allen).
- Los Angeles Rams (Q3 21:27) — (6:27) (Shotgun) 16-J.Goff pass deep right to 17-R.Woods pushed ob at ATL 49 for 25 yards (33-B.Wreh-Wilson).
- Atlanta Falcons (Q3 27:54) — (12:54) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short middle to 26-T.Coleman to LA 45 for 14 yards (26-M.Barron).
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- Atlanta Falcons (Q1 53:56) — (8:56) 5-M.Bosher punts 43 yards to LA 43, Center-47-J.Harris. 24-B.Countess MUFFS catch, touched at LA 30, RECOVERED by ATL-53-L.Reynolds at LA 17. 53-L.Reynolds to LA 17 for no gain (83-J.Reynolds).
- Los Angeles Rams (Q1 46:23) — 5-M.Bosher kicks 58 yards from ATL 35 to LA 7. 10-P.Cooper to LA 28 for 21 yards (27-D.Kazee). FUMBLES (27-D.Kazee), RECOVERED by ATL-36-K.Ishmael at LA 32. 36-K.Ishmael to LA 32 for no gain (54-B.Hag
- Atlanta Falcons (Q4 7:22) — (7:22) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short right to 12-M.Sanu to LA 10 for 52 yards (20-L.Joyner).
- Los Angeles Rams (Q2 32:40) — (2:40) (Shotgun) 16-J.Goff pass short left to 18-C.Kupp for 14 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Quarterback report card
J.Goff led all passers in efficiency for Los Angeles Rams, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- J.Goff (Los Angeles Rams) · 50 dropbacks · 48.0% completion · -9.8% CPOE · -0.08 EPA/play · -4.01 total EPA
- M.Ryan (Atlanta Falcons) · 35 dropbacks · 60.0% completion · +2.7% CPOE · +0.18 EPA/play · +6.23 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | Atlanta Falcons | Los Angeles Rams |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | +0.167 | -0.060 |
| Offensive success rate | 43.8% | 35.7% |
| Pass EPA/play | +0.178 | -0.080 |
| Rush EPA/play | -0.028 | +0.155 |
| Defensive EPA/play | +0.060 | -0.167 |
| Defensive success rate | 64.3% | 56.2% |
By the numbers
Despite the final score, Atlanta Falcons generated the better offensive EPA per play (+0.17 vs -0.06), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.
- Atlanta Falcons: 13 drives, +14.84 total EPA, 6 scoring drives
- Los Angeles Rams: 11 drives, -5.02 total EPA, 3 scoring drives
Key takeaways
What to remember for fantasy research, film review, and follow-up box score digging.
- Atlanta Falcons leaves with the win and the better postgame narrative for Week-to-week momentum.
- R. Woods (Los Angeles Rams) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
- J. Goff (LA) finished below expected efficiency — volume may have masked accuracy issues.
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with field position and full play-by-play context.
- Atlanta Falcons FG (+3) — Q1 52:17 · LA 11 · Score 3-0
(7:17) 3-M.Bryant 29 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher. - Atlanta Falcons FG (+3) — Q1 46:28 · LA 33 · Score 6-0
(1:28) 3-M.Bryant 51 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher. - Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q2 41:40 · LA 3 · Score 12-0
(11:40) 24-D.Freeman up the middle for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Atlanta Falcons XP (+1) — Q2 41:34 · LA 15 · Score 13-0
3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher. - Los Angeles Rams TD (+6) — Q2 32:40 · ATL 14 · Score 13-6
(2:40) (Shotgun) 16-J.Goff pass short left to 18-C.Kupp for 14 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Los Angeles Rams XP (+1) — Q2 32:34 · ATL 15 · Score 13-7
5-S.Ficken extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-6-J.Hekker. - Los Angeles Rams FG (+3) — Q2 30:08 · ATL 17 · Score 13-10
(:08) 5-S.Ficken 35 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-6-J.Hekker. - Atlanta Falcons FG (+3) — Q3 21:48 · LA 7 · Score 16-10
(6:48) 3-M.Bryant 25 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher. - Atlanta Falcons FG (+3) — Q3 15:24 · LA 36 · Score 19-10
(:24) 3-M.Bryant 54 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher. - Los Angeles Rams FG (+3) — Q4 10:54 · ATL 13 · Score 19-13
(10:54) 5-S.Ficken 32 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-6-J.Hekker. - Atlanta Falcons TD (+6) — Q4 5:54 · LA 8 · Score 25-13
(5:54) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass short right to 11-Ju.Jones for 8 yards, TOUCHDOWN [98-C.Barwin]. - Atlanta Falcons XP (+1) — Q4 5:48 · LA 15 · Score 26-13
3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Harris, Holder-5-M.Bosher.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Atlanta Falcons vs Los Angeles Rams?
The Atlanta Falcons beat the Los Angeles Rams 26-13 in Week 18, 2017 on 2018-01-06.
What was the final score of Atlanta Falcons vs Los Angeles Rams?
The final score was Atlanta Falcons 26, Los Angeles Rams 13 (ATL 26-13 LA) in Week 18, 2017 on 2018-01-06.
What was the score by quarter in Atlanta Falcons vs Los Angeles Rams?
Q1: Atlanta Falcons 6, Los Angeles Rams 0; Q2: Atlanta Falcons 7, Los Angeles Rams 10; Q3: Atlanta Falcons 6, Los Angeles Rams 0; Q4: Atlanta Falcons 7, Los Angeles Rams 3; Final: Atlanta Falcons 26, Los Angeles Rams 13.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Atlanta Falcons vs Los Angeles Rams?
Atlanta Falcons touchdown — D. Freeman (Q2 41:40) Los Angeles Rams touchdown — C. Kupp (J. Goff pass) (Q2 32:40) Atlanta Falcons touchdown — M. Ryan (Q4 5:54) Atlanta Falcons field goal — M. Bryant (Q1 52:17, 3 pts) Atlanta Falcons field goal — M. Bryant (Q1 46:28, 3 pts) Los Angeles Rams field goal — S. Ficken (Q2 30:08, 3 pts) Atlanta Falcons field goal — M. Bryant (Q3 21:48, 3 pts) Atlanta Falcons field goal — M. Bryant (Q3 15:24, 3 pts) Los Angeles Rams field goal — S. Ficken (Q4 10:54, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Atlanta Falcons vs Los Angeles Rams?
J. Goff (Los Angeles Rams), 48.0% completion, -9.8% CPOE, -0.08 EPA per dropback, -4.01 total passing EPA. M. Ryan (Atlanta Falcons), 60.0% completion, +2.7% CPOE, +0.18 EPA per dropback, +6.23 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in Atlanta Falcons vs Los Angeles Rams?
R. Woods (Los Angeles Rams) led the game in total EPA with +12.86 on receiving plays. across 14 snaps. The top single-play swing was (+7.11 EPA): (8:56) 5-M.Bosher punts 43 yards to LA 43, Center-47-J.Harris. 24-B.Countess MUFFS catch, touched at LA 30, RECOVERED by ATL-53-L.Reynolds at LA 17. 53-L.Reynolds to LA 17 for no g. The biggest win-probability swing was +20.5%.
Season records after this game
Atlanta Falcons
Entered 10-6 Now 11-6 W
Los Angeles Rams
Entered 11-5 Now 11-6 L
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