Falcons limp past Raiders
A win is a win in the NFL. Just don't expect Atlanta to clip this one for the highlight reel.
Click the photo to read more about the Falcons' win over the Raiders on Monday night.
It wasn't a great night of football across the board, but Week 15 of the NFL season is officially over.
The Minnesota Vikings rolled over Caleb Williams and the Chicago Bears 30-12 at U.S. Bank Stadium on Monday night. Both Aaron Jones and Cam Akers ran in short touchdowns for the Vikings, and Sam Darnold threw another one to Justin Jefferson en route to the dominant win.
Darnold went 24-of-40 for 231 yards and threw an interception for the Vikings, who now sit at 12-2 on the season. Williams threw for 191 yards with a late touchdown, though it wasn't enough to lift the Bears to what would've been their fifth win of the season.
The Vikings officially clinched a postseason berth on Sunday, though they still trail the Detroit Lions in the division. The Lions are dealing with numerous injuries that seem to keep coming, however, which could open the door for the Vikings to jump up and host a game in the first round if they can win out and overtake them.
Then in the second game, the Atlanta Falcons won a pretty sloppy battle with the Las Vegas Raiders. The Falcons grabbed a 15-4 win at Allegiant Stadium, which snapped a four-game losing skid and kept their playoff hopes alive.
Kirk Cousins went just 11-of-17 for 112 yards with a touchdown and an interception, and Bijan Robinson had 125 yards on 22 carries on the ground. Desmond Ridder threw for 208 yards with a touchdown and an interception, and he got the Raiders in position to take a shot for the win late in the fourth quarter.
Both the Raiders and the Bears have already been eliminated from playoff contention. The Raiders currently hold the No. 1 pick in the draft next spring, however, so that's a positive after their rough campaign.
The Falcons now sit at 7-7, which has them in second in the NFC South race. Their outing on Monday night wasn't great whatsoever, but they got the win. That's all that matters.
A win is a win in the NFL. Just don't expect Atlanta to clip this one for the highlight reel.
Click the photo to read more about the Falcons' win over the Raiders on Monday night.
The Vikings continue to surprise with another win over the Bears, who have failed miserably. The two franchises are in very different places.
Click the photo to read more about the Vikings' win over the Bears on Monday night.
A pair of last-ditch shots failed, and the Falcons will escape with a narrow win. It wasn't great, but their four-game losing skid is over.
Desmond Ridder just hit Jakobi Meyers for a 22-yard gain, and the Raiders are suddenly at the Atlanta 35-yard line with 10 seconds left. Here we go…
Somehow, the Raiders aren’t out of this. Abdullah just converted on 4th and 8, and their final drive is still alive…
The Vikings have now won seven straight and sit at 12-2 on the year.
STACKING DUBS pic.twitter.com/eecAhV4ZBn
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) December 17, 2024
The Vikings pad their lead with a 46-yard field goal, and we're just about done here. The Bears will get the ball back with 72 seconds left.
Ameer Abdullah just caught a 5-yard touchdown pass, and we suddenly have a game in Las Vegas. The Falcons lead 15-9 now after their extra point was blocked with about 3 minutes left.
🎱 in the ENDZONE!!!#ATLvsLV | #RaiderNation pic.twitter.com/vkukjFPTY9
— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) December 17, 2024
It took until fourth down, but Caleb Williams just hit Keenan Allen for a 16-yard reception. The Vikings' lead is now 27-12 after a failed two-point conversion with about 5 minutes left.
Caleb Williams with a dart to Keenan Allen for the TD!
📺: #CHIvsMIN on ABC
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus & ESPN+ pic.twitter.com/G5aP18Rxzm— NFL (@NFL) December 17, 2024
Desmond Ridder just threw an awful interception for the Raiders, and Atlanta will take back over here midway through the fourth.
The @AtlantaFalcons defense comes up with the pick!
📺: #ATLvsLV on ESPN
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/iXetVr4V9z— NFL (@NFL) December 17, 2024
The Bears just blocked a punt, and Robinson completely trucked Wright in the process. It was a legal block, as he got it clean before making contact, and the Bears will take over now in great field position with about 6 minutes left.
The @ChicagoBears with the blocked punt!
📺: #CHIvsMIN on ABC
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus & ESPN+ pic.twitter.com/FA127AOFp2— NFL (@NFL) December 17, 2024
Well, this isn't great...
An almost unbelievable stat just shown on the broadcast: it’s the 4th quarter and Raiders wide receivers have combined for zero catches.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) December 17, 2024
The Falcons' drive stalled out there, but they extended their lead after a 48-yard field goal from Younghoe Koo. They're up 15-3 now early in the fourth quarter.
After a pass interference penalty, Cam Akers punched in a 1-yard touchdown run to extend the Vikings' lead.
They're up 27-6 now in the fourth quarter, and this one should be about finished.
Cam Akers adds to the @Vikings lead!
📺: #CHIvsMIN on ABC
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The Falcons have the ball back near midfield late in the third quarter after forcing another Raiders punt. Can they convert the good field position into points? A touchdown would almost certainly put the game out of reach. Atlanta leads, 12-3.
Caleb Williams took a massive hit there on third down, and the Bears had to settle for a field goal. The Vikings' lead is down to 14 now with 13 minutes remaining.
Keenan Allen somehow hauled this in, and the Bears are finally moving here to start the fourth quarter.
Keenan Allen keepin' the feet in!
📺: #CHIvsMIN on ABC
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus & ESPN+ pic.twitter.com/vgYyQuTSeu— NFL (@NFL) December 17, 2024
The Raiders have the ball against their own goal at the 3-yard line after another Falcons punt. Atlanta still leads 12-3 with 4:15 remaining in the third quarter.
The Raiders stalled at midfield and punted back to the Falcons. This time there was no blocked punt. Atlanta takes over at its own 8-yard line, holding a 12-3 lead midway through the third quarter.
The Vikings capped their long 12-play drive with a 1-yard touchdown run from Aaron Jones, and they're suddenly up 20-3 now late in the third quarter.
Sam Darnold set up that touchdown run with a perfect shot to Justin Jefferson at the goal line.
This Sam Darnold throw is the definition of a DIME 🤯 pic.twitter.com/4BegUyBJ60
— NFL (@NFL) December 17, 2024
Atlanta gained just 15 yards after taking over possession at the Las Vegas 37-yard line after a blocked punt. Kirk Cousins was off target on third-and-9, and Younghoe Koo was good from 40 yards to extend the Falcons lead to 12-3.
The Raiders, of course, did not take advantage of the interception. They instead lost 12 yards on three plays then allowed their second blocked punt of the night. The Falcons take over in great field position yet again, this time at the Las Vegas 37. Will they do anything with it?
The @AtlantaFalcons special teams comes up big with the block punt!
📺: #ATLvsLV on ESPN
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/dpKQ4WqVjR— NFL (@NFL) December 17, 2024
The Bears are on the board with a 29-yard Cairo Santos field goal. But they had a touchdown taken away on an illegal substitution play.
Replay also showed that the officials missed a facemask penalty on the Vikings during Caleb Williams' incomplete pass on 3rd-and-goal.
Caleb Williams had his facemask grabbed on this play-- no flag was thrown and the Bears settle for a field goal. pic.twitter.com/A9HRqgYhOP
— Arye Pulli (@AryePulliNFL) December 17, 2024
D'Andre Swift appeared to have a 1-yard touchdown run for the Bears. But the score was nullified by an illegal substitution penalty in which Kiran Amegadjie did not report as eligible. (Paging Dan Skipper!)
The Falcons started the second half at their own 45 after a 38-yard kickoff return. Then they promptly gave the ball back to the Raiders. Kirk Cousins threw an interception to Robert Spillane on the first play from scrimmage of the third quarter, and the Raiders have the ball near midfield.
Highway robbery 💰#ATLvsLV | 📺 ESPN pic.twitter.com/0PNdk23wmw
— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) December 17, 2024
The Bears are driving toward a score after a 29-yard pass from Caleb Williams to Rome Odunze.
The rookie connection 🎯
📺: #CHIvsMIN on ABC
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This is not a well-played football game. Drake London's the only bright spot for either team. His 30-yard scoring grab is the only touchdown so far as the Falcons take a 9-3 lead into halftime.
Three other Falcons drives that advanced to Raiders territory ended in punts. The Raiders, meanwhile, are doing nothing with the ball when the Falcons give it back to them. Their offense has netted one point with a field goal and a safety taken.
Here are the halftime stats:
Kirk Cousins: 7 of 9 for 84 yards, 1 touchdown, 0 turnovers, 2 sacks taken
Desmond Ridder: 7 of 11 for 59 yards, 0 touchdowns or turnovers, 1 sack taken
Bijan Robinson: 10 carries for 58 yards
Alexander Mattison: 4 carries for 5 yards, 1 fumble, tackled for safety
Drake London: 2 catches for 48 yards, 1 touchdown
Brock Bowers: 3 catches for 35 yards
Falcons total offense: 128 yards on 4.9 yards per play
Raiders total offense: 80 yards on 2.9 yards per play
Falcons turnovers: 0
Raiders turnovers: 1 + a safety taken
Minnesota goes 3-and-out on its opening drive of the second half, perhaps still dazed by the Vanilla Ice halftime performance.
Ryan Wright punts for the first time in the game. Chicago takes over at its 20 after a 55-yard punt and 10-yard illegal block above the waist penalty on Terell Smith.
Another Falcons possession that advanced to Raiders territory ends without points. The Falcons punt from midfield after a third-down sack of Kirk Cousins, and the Raiders have a chance to cut into their 9-3 deficit before halftime.
Meanwhile in Minnesota. ... The Vikings have dusted off Vanilla Ice for their halftime show. It's apparently part of their ice theme tonight that includes a whiteout on the field and in the stands.
Enjoy:
34 years since this jam dropped.
If there was a problem, this dude SOLVED it.#WordToYourMother pic.twitter.com/uobjJwWyHf— Dan Wiederer (@danwiederer) December 17, 2024
Alexander Mattison is having a rough night. He lost a fumble on the Raiders' first possession. And he just got stuffed for a 1-yard loss for a safety after the Falcons pinned the Raiders against their own goal line on a punt. Falcons take a 9-3 lead and possession with 5:35 remaining before halftime.
Defense, party of TWO ‼️
ESPN | NFL+ pic.twitter.com/v9dQmoYFyo— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) December 17, 2024
Caleb Williams 7/9, 59 yards
D'Andre Swift 11 rushes, 32 yards
DJ Moore 2 catches, 16 yards
Sam Darnold 15/24, 145 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
Aaron Jones 7 rushes, 29 yards
Jordan Addison 6 catches, 58 yards
* Cam Robinson, 3 penalties
The Falcons had a look at a 56-yard field goal, which is a standard go in today's NFL — especially in the friendly kicking confines of the domed Allegiant Field at 2,000 feet above sea level.
They lined up for a Younghoe Koo kick, but didn't snap the ball. They instead attempted to draw the Raiders offside. Las Vegas didn't bite, and the Falcons took a delay-of-game penalty before punting back to the Raiders.
A former Pro Bowler, Koo's been dealing with a hip injury and has converted a career-low 74.2% of his field goal attempts this season including a 6-of-9 effort from 50-plus yards.
Minnesota had 2:35 to drive toward a score after taking over on downs. The Vikings then grinded out an 13-play drive going 58 yards.
Sam Darnold missed T.J. Hockenson in the end zone on 3rd-and-5 from the Chicago 13, forcing Minnesota to settle for a field goal.
Will Reichard makes a 31-yard kick to give the Vikings a 13–0 lead with four seconds remaining in the first half.
Desmond Ridder took a rare shot downfield, but overthrew Brock Bowers on third-and-10. Daniel Carlson hits a 52-yard field goal to cut the Falcons' lead to 7-3 early in the second quarter.
Chicago gets bailed out by a running into the kicker penalty on Trent Sherfield on 4th-and-2.
From there, the Bears drive 42 yards in nine plays to the Vikings' 29.
But again on 4th down, Chicago goes for it and is stuffed. D'Andre Swift gets stopped and the Bears turn it over on downs.
Another 4th down stop for the @Vikings!
📺: #CHIvsMIN on ABC
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus & ESPN+ pic.twitter.com/sSXf9B6xgo— NFL (@NFL) December 17, 2024
Atlanta took advantage of good field position this time. Kirk Cousins found Drake London running wide open down the right sideline for a 30-yard touchdown. Blown coverage by Raiders cornerback Jack Jones let London break free. 7-0, Falcons with 14 seconds left in the first quarter.
Prime time Drake 🔥#ProBowlVote x @DrakeLondon_
ESPN | NFL+ pic.twitter.com/KzZ0xyT6PD— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) December 17, 2024
The Falcons will start the second of two drives near midfield after tipping a Raiders punt that traveled just 30 yards. They'll start their second possession at their own 49-yard line. Will they score this time?
OK, RED 😤#ProBowlVote x KhaDarel Hodge
ESPN | NFL+ pic.twitter.com/CyFcgx9WiM— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) December 17, 2024
Vikings were driving toward a score and go for it on 4th-and-3 from the Bears' 23-yard line. But Sam Darnold is intercepted by Tyrique Stevenson at the 15.
Minnesota goes for it on 4th down... The @ChicagoBears had some interception plans
📺: #CHIvsMIN on ABC
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Chicago takes over at its 16 after the turnover.
Two bad teams are playing the part so far in Las Vegas. The Falcons were in field goal range after securing a fumble in Raiders territory. But Kirk Cousins took a third-down sack that knocked them out of range, and the Falcons punted instead of scoring points. 0-0 in Vegas after opening possessions for each team.
The @Raiders get pressure on 3rd down for the sack!
📺: #ATLvsLV on ESPN
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/0DtnsUdGZs— NFL (@NFL) December 17, 2024
Las Vegas' good fortune didn't last long. Raiders running back Alexander Mattison fumbled in Las Vegas territory, and the Falcons recovered the ball near midfield. Falcons take over possession at the Las Vegas 48.
FUMBLE! The @AtlantaFalcons fall on the loose ball.
📺: #ATLvsLV on ESPN
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/GQIxRTU71M— NFL (@NFL) December 17, 2024
A false start on Cam Robinson pushes Minnesota back to a 3rd-and-17, but Aaron Jones gets the first down after catching a short pass from Sam Darnold.
The Vikings have a 1st-and-10 at their 30-yard line as the first quarter ends.
Bad teams with lost seasons are throwing caution to the wind tonight. The Bears went for it on fourth down in their own territory on their first drive and didn't convert. The Raiders just did the same, but made a first down on a fourth-and-1 run by Desmond Ridder from their own 37. A new set of downs for Las Vegas.
Harrison Smith nearly picks off Caleb Williams trying to hit Rome Odunze over the middle on 3rd-and-7.
Harrison Smith read Caleb Williams all the way here. Nearly intercepted. pic.twitter.com/abmrmqhsc5
— Dave (@dave_bfr) December 17, 2024
After a 48-yard punt from Tory Taylor, Minnesota takes over at its 9-yard line.
We'll see Desmond Ridder soon. The second MNF game about to kick off. The Falcons won the toss and deferred. Ridder will lead the Raiders offense first in his first start for Las Vegas against a Falcons team he started for in 2022 and 2023.
"WE LOVE YOU RANDY!" 🫶 @RandyMoss pic.twitter.com/6qS4kScTzC
— NFL (@NFL) December 17, 2024
The Vikings capitalize on Caleb Williams' fumble with a 39-yard drive finished off by a Sam Darnold 7-yard TD pass to Justin Jefferson.
Darnold. Jefferson. SIX.
📺: #CHIvsMIN on ABC
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus & ESPN+ pic.twitter.com/yxeaGOD4HS— NFL (@NFL) December 17, 2024
Minnesota now leads 10–0 with 5:04 left in the first quarter.
Here's a full look at Jake Reed and Cris Carter holding up a Randy Moss jersey to midfield for the opening coin toss.
You're with us tonight, 84 💜#LetsMossCancer pic.twitter.com/ZVjoFqxLUp
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) December 17, 2024
On 3rd-and-9 from the Bears' 39, Caleb WIlliams is sacked by Jonathan Greenard and fumbles. Blake Cashman recovers the turnover and returns it 17 yards.
Jonathan Greenard with the strip sack! @Vikings take the ball back.
📺: #CHIvsMIN on ABC
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus & ESPN+ pic.twitter.com/RLpDjRaUHf— NFL (@NFL) December 17, 2024
Following the Bears turning it over on downs, the Vikings take over. Sam Darnold throws two incompletions after a 5-yard gain by Aaron Jones and have to settle for a field goal.
Will Reichard kicks a 52-yarder to give Minnesota a 3–0 lead.