The Falcons are going to Falcon.
After giving up a 14-10 fourth-quarter lead, Pro Bowl kicker Younghoe Koo shanked a 39-yard field goal that would have sent the game into overtime but instead sends Atlanta what will likely be a top-five pick in the 2021 NFL Draft and vaults the Chiefs to the No. 1 overall seed in the AFC.
Editor's note: All of PFF's grades and advanced stats from this game will be finalized and made available to ELITE subscribers within 24 hours of the final whistle.
Story Of The Game
The Falcons and the Chiefs seemed like it would be a battle of two high-powered offenses but turned into a low-scoring affair with both teams only finding the end zone heading into the final frame.
Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce planted himself in the record books twice on the day. He now sits atop all other tight ends in receiving yards in a season (1,416) and is the only tight end with multiple seasons with 100-plus receptions.
Patrick Mahomes was not his usual self in this game, completing only 54.5% of his passes and completing just four of his 13 passes that traveled 10-plus-yards downfield. Mahomes, known for his ability to improvise, also had a tough time against an improved Falcons defense. He threw a goal-line interception right to an underneath linebacker and could have had more if it weren’t for the Falcons dropping two other interceptions.
Matt Ryan was efficient for the second week in a row, especially when targeting Calvin Ridley down the field. The duo connected on three passes for 106 yards on passes targeted 10-plus-yards down the field. Ridley, fresh off a Pro Bowl snub, recorded his NFL-high eighth game with 100-plus receiving yards on the season.
The Falcons were without two offensive linemen, and Ryan felt the pressure against the Chiefs' pass rush. The absence of center Alex Mack was felt the most, as Chris Jones dominated the line of scrimmage. Jones posted a 40% pass-rush win rate, a 29% pressure percentage and totaled eight pressures on the day.
Rookie Watch
Matt Hennessy was the lone offensive rookie to see action on either team, as a plug-in to the battered Falcons offensive line. He allowed one pressure on 39 pass-blocking snaps.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Chiefs' young defense was led by L’Jarius Sneed, who recorded one sack and two pressures but did allow seven completions on seven targets. Willie Gay Jr. was targeted four times in coverage and allowed four receptions for 32 yards.
Atlanta's A.J. Terrell held his own against the talented skill players of the Chiefs. He forced one incompletion and almost had an interception in the end zone but dropped the ball once he hit the ground.
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