Bijan Robinson’s career year continued with another big performance in Week 17. The 195 yard, two touchdown night (one through the air and one on the ground) on paper was his best performance yet this year, and has now earned him his 2nd NFC offensive player of the week award.
His first came in Week 6 when Atlanta upset another Super Bowl contender, beating the Buffalo Bills 24-14 on Monday Night. In that
game, Robinson picked up 170 yards on the ground and a touchdown, and hauled in 6 catches for 68 yards. Robinson broke free for an 81-yard scramble on the way to the end zone, which at the time was the longest of his career until he took off for a 93-yard touchdown in the win against the Rams Monday, which also broke a franchise record.
Robinson’s 195 yards were the most rushing yards by a Falcons running back since 2008 when Michael Turner rumbled his way to 208 yards in the season finale against the St. Louis Rams. The performance also moved Robinson ahead of Christian McCaffrey for the most scrimmage yards by a player before turning 24 years-old, with 5,605 yards. There’s no doubt that Robinson has become a household name not just in Atlanta, but around the league. He’ll need just two yards on Sunday against New Orleans to break his career high rushing yards, and the Saints will no doubt be looking to try and game plan for him in the bitter NFC South rivalry showdown that has bigger implications than just bragging rights.
At least another Atlanta sub-500 year isn’t stopping Robinson from continuing his early career dominance in just his third NFL year. He’ll be headed to the Pro Bowl in February to represent Atlanta along with fellow offensive mate Chris Lindstrom. Whatever happens with the team next year, whether that be players traded, coaching personnel fired, or front office members shown the front door, Robinson being a key part of this team’s future brings me peace of mind for 2026 and beyond. So next year, let’s try and add a Super Bowl for Robinson in addition to Pro Bowl honors.
