Week 17 comes to a close with a “Monday Night Football” matchup featuring the Los Angeles Rams (11-4) and the Atlanta Falcons (6-9). While this game will be important for the Rams’ NFL Playoff seeding, a Falcons win could increase the Detroit Lions’ chances of getting a better pick in the upcoming NFL Draft.
The Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers both won on Sunday, officially eliminating the Rams from an NFC West title race and solidifying L.A. as a Wildcard Playoff team. The Rams will either
be the NFC No. 5 or No. 6 seed, depending on the outcome of their final two games. If they beat the Falcons on MNF, then take care of business against the Cardinals in Week 18, they will be the No. 5 seed. If they lose either game, they will fall to the No. 6 seed.
While the Falcons are simply playing for pride, if they pull off the upset over the Rams, they could open up another draft pick spot for the Detroit Lions. If that happens—and a bunch of other games fall Detroit’s way in Week 18—the Lions’ 2026 draft pick could reach as high as No. 11. However, if the Falcons lose, that takes No. 11 off the table for the Lions, and they would pick between No. 18 and No. 12, depending on how Week 18 shakes out.
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So, from a rooting perspective, Lions fans should be pulling for the Falcons in this game. Here’s an excerpt from Jeremy Reisman’s Week 17 Lions fans’ rooting guide:
“This is another long-shot outcome with the Rams trying to claw their way back into the NFC West lead and the Falcons dead. Atlanta would also need to win out for the Lions to jump them, so don’t expect that to happen.”
For a look at how the POD staff has picked this game, make sure you check out our Week 17 predictions: Moneyline, spread, and over/under.
Here’s how to watch tonight’s game:
Rams at Falcons
When: Monday, December 29, 2025 — 8:15 p.m. ET
Where: Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia
TV: ESPN
Announcers: Joe Buck and Troy Aikman, with field reporters Lisa Salters and Laura Rutledge
Online streaming: ESPN+, Hulu + Live TV, NFL+
Manningcast: ESPN 2
