Falcons Thrash Packers on Thursday Night Football as MLB Wild Card Races Heat Up

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September 24 delivered an eventful night across American sports. The Atlanta Falcons dominated the Green Bay Packers on Thursday Night Football, while several important Major League Baseball games helped shape the postseason picture with only days remaining in the regular season.

From Atlanta’s first victory of the NFL season to playoff celebrations in San Diego and Chicago, there was plenty at stake.

Falcons Take Control at Lambeau Field

The Falcons defeated the Packers 35-14 at Lambeau Field, ending Green Bay’s run of 13 consecutive home-opening victories.

Green Bay actually struck first, taking a 7-0 lead in the opening quarter. Atlanta quickly responded and then took complete control, scoring 27 unanswered points before the Packers finally found the end zone again in the fourth quarter.

The victory moved Atlanta to 1-2 while Green Bay also fell to 1-2.

Atlanta Finds Its Offensive Rhythm

Michael Penix Jr. made his first start of the season and finished with 256 passing yards and a touchdown.

Atlanta’s rushing attack created even bigger problems for Green Bay. Bijan Robinson ran for 194 yards and two touchdowns as the Falcons finished with 242 rushing yards as a team. Drake London provided another major threat, catching nine passes for 194 yards.

Overall, Atlanta produced 498 yards of offense compared with Green Bay’s 328 and controlled possession for more than 37 minutes.

Padres Secure Their October Place

Baseball’s postseason picture was also becoming clearer.

The San Diego Padres defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers 4-2, clinching a third consecutive postseason appearance for the first time in franchise history.

The game remained close until San Diego scored three times in the seventh inning. Ethan Salas and Fernando Tatis Jr. contributed RBI singles as the Padres built a lead the Dodgers couldn’t overcome.

Los Angeles still had something to celebrate. Results elsewhere secured the Dodgers the National League’s No. 2 seed and a first-round postseason bye.

Brewers Reach 100 Wins

Milwaukee added another milestone to an already successful season with a 5-1 victory over Philadelphia.

The win gave the Brewers 100 victories for the first time in franchise history. Jackson Chourio hit his 25th home run as Milwaukee continued strengthening its position at the top of the National League.

For Philadelphia, the loss delayed another opportunity to secure a postseason berth and kept pressure on the Phillies heading into the final games of the regular season.

White Sox Return to the Playoffs

The Chicago White Sox had one of the night’s biggest celebrations after routing the Kansas City Royals 9-1.

Miguel Vargas recorded two hits and two RBIs, Kyle Teel homered, and David Sandlin delivered six strong innings.

More importantly, the victory officially secured Chicago a playoff berth. It marks the White Sox’s first postseason appearance since 2021 after three consecutive seasons with at least 100 losses.

Chicago also remained in contention for the American League Central title, keeping the final weekend meaningful beyond simply qualifying for October.

The Final Weekend Takes Shape

September 24 helped settle several postseason questions, but others remain open.

The Padres and White Sox can now prepare for October, while Philadelphia still has work to do. Division positioning and wild-card seeding also remain important as teams complete their final regular-season games.

Between Atlanta’s statement victory at Lambeau Field and a dramatic night of playoff-clinching baseball, Thursday delivered the kind of late-September sports schedule where almost every result carried extra weight.