Falcons vs. Rams live stream: How to watch 2018 NFL playoffs online

After shaking off years of 7-9 jokes with the firing of Jeff Fisher, the Los Angeles Rams have made the postseason with an 11-5 record and will face the Atlanta Falcons at home in the NFC Wild Card Round on Saturday at 8:15 p.m. ET on NBC (live stream).

Despite retaining much of the same talent, the Falcons’ offensive production saw a steep dropoff compared to last season’s Super Bowl run. A big change was losing offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan, who became the head coach of the 49ers, with former USC head coach Steve Sarkisian taking over the play calling.

With a full season of learning how to utilize the bevy of offensive talent that the team boasts, Sarkisian should find more success next season, but a big statement in the playoffs would do much to quell the offseason chatter about the safety of his role on the coaching staff.

On the other sideline, the Rams feature the youngest head coach in NFL history, and he’s still managed to pull off a complete overhaul in his first season at the helm. Often seen sitting on the sideline looking over his notes, Sean McVay hasn’t followed in the footsteps of Jeff Fisher — and so far, that’s been a good thing. Second-year quarterback Jared Goff finally caught on with his receivers and finished the 2017 regular season with 3,804 yards passing and 28 touchdowns against only seven interceptions.

Helping the young head coach and quarterback is third-year running back Todd Gurley, who has found a whole new level of freak this season. He finished the regular season with 1,305 yards rushing and 13 touchdowns. He’ll be the main focus for the Falcons defense. If they’re able to contain Gurley, Goff’s arm will be tested through the game and could lead to the more experienced team coming away with a win.

Drops. That seemed to be the theme from this group, as well as the TE’s. The top dog here was Mike Thomas who had 3-75 in the game, with a great vertical down the left sideline right before half that he caught (not really) which ultimately netted the Rams points. Pharoh Cooper had a 2-30 line though he had a drop or two. Josh Reynolds also chipped in with 2-16. Lastly, everybody’s favorite #11, was a non-factor in the passing game, though he did have a drop as well.

Atlanta finished the year eighth in total offense and ninth in total defense, an impressive showing that is sort of surprising after all the struggles this team underwent en route to 10-6. It suggests that either the Falcons were lucky to finish top 10 or more productive than their record suggests.

It has been a season filled of mystifying tendencies and traditions for the Atlanta Falcons. From committing unnecessary penalties to not scoring consistently in the red zone, the Falcons rarely make things look easy. Most of their games consist of prolonged struggles that make you question everything about the team.

The Rams have all the momentum heading into this matchup, but the veteran experience both from the coaching staff and QB position will be the difference maker. Atlanta finds a way to click on offense and keeps things out of reach for a Rams offense that for the first half remains competitive.

Check out our Wild Card Weekend picks for even more expert opinions.