The Los Angeles Rams are set to wrap up the NFL’s Week 17 slate with a game against the Atlanta Falcons on Monday Night Football. The Falcons aren’t in the running for a playoff spot, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t things at stake.
The Rams have a playoff spot locked up already, but seeding is still up for grabs. Are the Rams in a position to rest their starters for this matchup, or will Puka Nacua & Co. take the field?
Will Puka Nacua and the Other Starters Play Against Falcons?
The Rams had been in control of the NFC West until losing to the Seattle Seahawks in Week 16. It was a thrilling overtime game that moved the Rams to 11-4 on the season and ensured the division rivals split their season series.
Things got worse for the Rams in Week 17 when the Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers both won their games. Those results officially eliminated the Rams from NFC West and top-seed contention.
However, the team still has plenty to play for against the Falcons and will therefore play their starters. The Rams can secure the No. 5 seed in the NFC and earn a matchup against the NFC South winner if they win their final two games.
A loss on Monday or in Week 18, however, would likely bump the Rams down to the No. 6 seed and set up a tough matchup against the Eagles in Philadelphia.
The Rams also own the Falcons’ first-round pick in 2026, so they’d love to hand the team another loss and make sure they don’t fall in the draft order.
This is good news for fans of Nacua and the other Rams’ stars. Nacua has had an exceptional season, with 114 catches for 1,592 yards and eight touchdowns. PFSN’s WR Impact ranking gives Nacua a league-best 99.5 grade on the season.
Rams Gearing Up for Another Postseason Run
With the Rams already clinching a playoff spot, the team will make the postseason for the third season in a row. Last season, the Rams lost to the Eagles in a hard-fought Divisional Round game.
This season, the Rams have hopes of going back to the Super Bowl after winning the big game in 2021. So far in 2025, the team has been carried by an elite offense that has a league-best 93.8 grade from PFSN’s Offense Impact ranking.
On defense, the Rams have been exceptional as well. PFSN’s Defense Impact ranking gives the Rams’ unit an 85.5 grade, which ranks sixth in the league.
The Rams have their Week 17 game against the Falcons and then end the regular season with a matchup against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 18.
