Falcons 31, Rams 24: Matt Ryan tossed an 81-yard scoring strike to Julio Jones to highlight his two-touchdown performance as Atlanta held off a late rally to win its home opener.

Ryan, who completed 33-of-43 passes for 374 yards, found a familiar target in Jones (11 receptions, 182 yards) while former Ram Steven Jackson also reeled in an 8-yard touchdown toss before exiting with an injured thigh. Jason Snelling gave the Falcons (1-1) a 31-17 lead after scoring from 11 yards out and defensive end Osi Umenyiora added a 68-yard interception off a deflection for his first career score.

Sam Bradford (32-of-55, 352 yards) tossed three touchdown passes - with rookie Tavon Austin collecting his second of the game from 10 yards out to bring the Rams (1-1) within 31-24 with 2:09 remaining in the fourth quarter.

Signed to a three-year, $12 million deal in the offseason, Jackson opened the scoring with 8:34 remaining in the first half by catching a pass out the backfield. Jackson extended his body to stretch the ball over the goal line but injured himself on the play and did not return.

Jones, who was nursing a knee injury all week during practice, showed no signs of the ailment when catching a career-long touchdown pass from Ryan late in the first quarter. The Falcons claimed a 21-0 lead early in the second as Bradford's pass caromed off Daryl Richardson's arm and right to Umenyiora, who rumbled toward the end zone.

GAME NOTEBOOK: Jackson, who had three carries for zero yards, set a franchise record by rushing for 10,135 yards in nine seasons with St. Louis. ... In addition to Jackson, the Falcons suffered numerous injuries during the first half - including DE Kroy Biermann (ankle), CB Asante Samuel (thigh), and LB Sean Weatherspoon (foot). ... Atlanta mustered just one yard rushing in the first half. It finished with 36.