NFL: Bijan Robinson runs rampant against the Packers with 194 Yards and two touchdowns in the Falcons' first win

Star running back Bijan Robinson rushed for 194 yards and two touchdowns as the Atlanta Falcons soundly defeated the Green Bay Packers on Thursday at Lambeau Field, securing their first victory of the 2026 NFL season.

Robinson shines with an "unreal" performance

Robinson, 24, signed a new three-year, $75 million contract in August that made him—if only temporarily—the highest-paid running back in league history. On Thursday, he showed why: he easily outgained the entire Green Bay team in rushing yards, as Green Bay managed just 17 rushing yards for the entire game.

"I always say it's a gift from God, but in my case, I simply read the first, second, and third levels... I know where the free defender is on every play," Robinson said after the game. "Basically, I'm playing hide-and-seek with the guys. I'm pulling them out of their holes."

Penix Jr. returns from injury and leads the passing offense

The Falcons were bolstered by the return of quarterback Michael Penix Jr., who returned to action after undergoing surgery in November for a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Penix completed 256 passing yards and a touchdown, despite an early interception.

"I've been fighting and working really hard to get back to where I am today," said Penix, who praised Robinson's performance as "unreal" and added, "It's a blessing to have someone like that on your team."

Game summary: From 0-2 to 1-0

The Packers opened the scoring with a touchdown pass from Jordan Love to Christian Watson. But Robinson responded immediately with a spectacular 55-yard run into the end zone, and on the very next play, he ran for the touchdown himself to tie the game.

On Atlanta's next offensive series, Robinson was once again instrumental with four runs on a drive that ended with a touchdown pass from Penix to tight end Austin Hooper.

In the second half, Robinson made another spectacular 31-yard run down the right sideline, before the Falcons' other running back, Brian Robinson Jr., scored another touchdown that put Atlanta up by 20 points.

Packers try to mount a comeback, but fall at home

Green Bay attempted a comeback in the fourth quarter with a 15-yard touchdown pass from Love to Matthew Golden, but Bijan Robinson sealed the game once again with another touchdown, breaking through the Packers' defense. A successful two-point conversion sealed the final score at 35–14.

Jordan Love racked up 312 passing yards but was hampered by a lack of options on the ground. The Packers, who fell to 1-2, suffered their first home opener loss since 2012, and the crowd at Lambeau Field responded with boos at the end of the game.

Falcons break offensive drought

Prior to Thursday, the Falcons had scored only 16 points in two losses, failing to convert a single play in the red zone. Robinson's breakout performance and Penix's return unlocked an offense that now looks forward with optimism to the rest of the season.

Atlanta added two field goals, while Green Bay missed its only attempt.