NFL Power Rankings: Looking at All 32 Teams Entering Week 15

Dec 11, 2016; Green Bay, WS, USA; Green Bay Packers player Clay Matthews offers a helping hand to Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson after knocking him to the ground in the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory credit: Dan Powers/Post-Crescent via USA TODAY NETWORK /

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Dec 11, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) celebrates after throwing a 64-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

44. . 8-5. . Atlanta Falcons. 8. team

The Falcons sure have to thank the Rams for coming to town. And Atlanta’s 42-14 demolishing of Los Angeles certainly carried plenty of influence in the eventual firing of Rams head coach Jeff Fisher this week.

Quarterback Matt Ryan was, well, Matt Ryan. He went 18-of-28 for 237 yards and three touchdowns in what looked like a cruising effort over a typically good Los Angeles defense.

And all this without standout wide receiver Julio Jones, who was out with a toe injury.

The Falcons defense might not be very good. And their stats from Sunday are assisted by the ineptitude of Los Angeles’ offense. But Atlanta’s defense should be good enough to carry them into a postseason berth, especially considering their remaining schedule.