2004 NFC Divisional Playoff vs. Seattle Seahawks

Lore & Background

The St. Louis Rams and Atlanta Falcons faced each other in the NFC Divisional playoffs. The Rams had finished the regular season with an 8–8 record and won their wild card playoff game against the Seattle Seahawks, becoming the first team in NFL history to win a playoff game after an 8–8 regular season.

In Their Own Story

The air inside the Georgia Dome was thick with anticipation as the clock ticked down on the fourth quarter. Michael Vick, eyes locked on the end zone, felt the weight of a city's hope on his shoulders. With a quick pump fake and a burst of speed that left defenders in his dust, he scrambled right, evading a sack before launching a perfect spiral to Ashley Lelie. The ball sailed through the humid air, caught cleanly in stride as the crowd roared like thunder. It wasn't just a touchdown; it was the sound of a franchise finally breaking its curse.

Reader's Guide

The game was part of the NFC Divisional playoffs. The Rams entered as the third seed after winning the NFC West, while the Falcons' seeding is not specified in the source. The game was broadcast by Fox, which televised the rest of the NFC games and Super Bowl XXXIX.

Did You Know?

• The St. Louis Rams became the first team in NFL history to win a playoff game after finishing the regular season with an 8–8 record.
• The Rams became the first team in NFL history to face every team within their respective conference in the postseason at least once.