The Atlanta Falcons did just enough to secure a narrow victory over the Las Vegas Raiders, winning 15-9 and maintaining their position in the NFC South race. Kirk Cousins, the Falcons’ quarterback, marked a return to form by throwing his first touchdown pass in five weeks during this crucial matchup.
In a last-ditch effort to turn the game around, Raiders quarterback Desmond Ridder attempted two desperate passes into the end zone in the final moments. The first pass fell incomplete, while the second was intercepted by Jessie Bates III, sealing the game for Atlanta.
With this victory, the Falcons improved their record to 7-7, snapping a four-game losing streak and keeping them just one game behind the first-place Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Atlanta also holds the head-to-head tiebreaker against Tampa, which could be pivotal as the season progresses.
On the other side, the Raiders faced their 10th consecutive loss, the longest active losing streak in the NFL. With a record of 2-12, they are now tied with the New York Giants for the worst record in the league, marking the fifth-longest losing streak in Raiders history.
Cousins entered the game under scrutiny, having thrown no touchdown passes and eight interceptions in his last four starts, leading to speculation about rookie Michael Penix Jr. potentially taking over the starting role. However, Falcons coach Raheem Morris opted to keep faith in Cousins, who signed a substantial four-year, $180 million contract this year.
Despite his touchdown, Cousins’ performance was modest, with only 112 passing yards and one interception. His 30-yard touchdown pass to a wide-open Drake London in the first quarter was a much-needed boost for the team, marking Cousins’ first touchdown since a game against the Dallas Cowboys on November 3.
The Falcons added to their score with two field goals from Younghoe Koo and a safety by defensive lineman Zach Harrison, showcasing a balanced effort from both the offense and defense.
Star running back Bijan Robinson shone with a strong performance, rushing for 125 yards. Meanwhile, Drake London made history by catching three passes for 53 yards, bringing his career total to 219 receptions and surpassing Calvin Ridley’s previous record for the most catches in Falcons history over a player’s first three seasons.
Atlanta’s defense held strong against Ridder, who was making his first start of the season after being traded from the Falcons to the Raiders. Ridder managed to pass for 208 yards, but his efforts were hindered by two interceptions.
The injury-plagued Raiders struggled offensively, gaining only 249 yards and consistently trailing by double digits throughout the season. They also faced additional setbacks, with defensive end Maxx Crosby undergoing season-ending ankle surgery and running back Sincere McCormick leaving the game with an ankle injury.
Up next
Falcons: Host the New York Giants on Sunday.
Raiders: Host the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday.
