Falcons stars lit up the desert in the Week 16 3 up and 3 down

The Atlanta Falcons aren’t going out quietly, and their best players are leading the effort. A few new faces have cracked the list in both columns after the team’s first road win in Arizona in over 20 years. Here’s the Week 16 3 up and 3 down.

3 up

Kyle Pitts

For the first time in his career, Kyle Pitts scored a touchdown in back-to-back games. Pitts has been operating as the top receiving threat while Drake London has been managing an injury, and the hot streak continued in Arizona. Pitts is the first Falcons tight end with four touchdowns in two games since Alge Crumpler.

After Sunday’s game, Pitts is second among all tight ends in targets (106), receptions (80), and receiving yards (854). Pitts has finally had the breakout fans have been waiting for, but is it too late when considering his future status with the team?

C.J. Henderson

Henderson was signed late in camp and has bounced around the practice squad. His number was called yesterday, and the cornerback did not waste his opportunity. Henderson replaced Cobee Byrant in the first quarter and played a clean game, totaling 36 snaps.

He sealed the victory for the Falcons with a perfectly timed break on the ball, which led to his first interception since 2022 and only the 4th of his career. Henderson doesn’t turn 28 until next September, and now he’ll have a chance to audition for a job in 2026.

Bijan Robinson

The best running back in football joined an exclusive club with his sublime performance in the state where he grew up. Robinson is only the 3rd player in Falcons history to hit the 2,000 scrimmage yard mark, and it only took 15 games. We’ve seen Bijan evolve every season, and the film shows that there’s still meat left on the bone.

The team’s record will keep him out of it, but he should be at the forefront of the Offensive Player of the Year race. We are witnessing a special player, so make sure you appreciate him while he’s still in the red and black.

3 Down

Drake London

The team’s WR1 made his return, but it appeared to be a week too soon. London looked uncomfortable even on catches when he was untouched; it was evident the injury was still nagging him. He was still able to haul in a few passes but was a non-factor for most of the game.

His competitive mindset is appreciated, but this was a game where the team’s staff should’ve stepped in and not risked further injury. Risking him against the 3-11 Cardinals was unnecessary.

Jake Matthews

It was a rough game for the franchise’s iron man. Matthews surrendered a sack early and was the one responsible for Calais Campbell breaking free to block Atlanta’s extra point try. To add insult to injury, Matthews dropped a wide-open touchdown, and it’s hard to imagine another shot at one is coming his way.

While he’s been stable most of the year, age is starting to show. The Matthews’ bloodlines may put up the strongest fight Father Time has ever faced, but he will eventually win the fight. 

Cobee Bryant

One thing that every cornerback needs is luck, and Bryant appears to have none. Michael Wilson hauled in one of the most improbable touchdown catches of the year, and it cost Bryant his snaps for the rest of the game. His replacement, C.J. Henderson, sealed the game and likely Bryant’s starting status for the rest of the season, pending the return of Mike Hughes. Bryant has been in position all season, but he’s failed to make the play in these tough spots. He’s not a lost cause, but it’s clear that the young defensive back needs more time to develop.

It’s always nice to get a win and have an enjoyable Sunday of football. The Falcons will have an extra day of prep for their final primetime game of the year against the Rams.