Atlanta came into the divisional playoffs with a lot of swagger, led by the never-quiet Deion Sanders and Andre Rison, and a small celebrity entourage on their sideline which included rapper MC Hammer. Even before game time, it was clear that it would not be the Falcons' day, as the weather was cold, wet, and breezy.

Both teams struggled with the elements in the first quarter, with neither scoring. Washington finally put a drive together in the second quarter, driving 81 yards, the final 17 coming on a Ricky Ervins run. Atlanta fumbled the ball on their next drive, and the Skins again drove in for a TD, making it 14-0. Atlanta did respond with a drive of their own before halftime, pulling to 14-7.

The weather and Washington's defense shut down the Falcons in the second half, and the Redskins added 10 points to put the game out of reach. Lohmiller hit a field goal in the third quarter, and an Atlanta turnover led to a fourth quarter TD that iced the game.