​There is little doubt that Bijan Robinson stands out as the top player on the Atlanta Falcons’ roster this season. When it comes to the runner-up, though, the field is crowded with close contenders, nearly a dozen players who each have a solid case. Leading the pack for that distinction is almost certainly right guard Chris Lindstrom, a first-round pick by Atlanta in the 2019 NFL Draft. Since arriving in the league, Lindstrom has earned four trips to the Pro Bowl and has consistently performed at a high level for the Falcons. Perhaps most impressive is the fact that he has only missed one game due to injury since his rookie year.
Lindstrom is the cornerstone of Atlanta’s starting guard duo, a pairing that Matt Verderame of Sports Illustrated has ranked among the top five in the league. “Lindstrom has long been one of the standard-bearers at guard. A four-time second-team All-Pro, Lindstrom has been a tower of power for the Falcons since being drafted in 2019, only missing one game since his rookie campaign. All told, Lindstrom’s grade of 88.4 on Pro Football Focus ranked second among guards, while his 91.7 run-blocking mark topped the charts.” This praise underscores the impact he has had up front for Atlanta, anchoring the interior and providing the push needed to unlock the Falcons’ other skill players.
Don’t overlook the other half of that veteran-left-right guard tandem, as left guard Matthew Bergeron has also drawn commendation in Verderame’s blurb. “As for Bergeron, he’s settled in nicely through three years, starting all but two games of his career. The Syracuse product also had top-30 PFF grades last year overall and for run blocking, showing the versatility of a player entering the final season of his rookie contract.” Bergeron’s steady presence and developing skill set add to the overall strength of Atlanta’s interior line, demonstrating how the unit has evolved into a formidable force.
Robinson’s production and potential next-earning contract have him poised to be the Falcons’ next long-term investment, but the case for Bergeron remains compelling as well, especially since he turned 26 in February. Taken together, the right guard and left guard duo represents one of the league’s best interior combinations as the Falcons head into 2026. Projections from analysts like Warren Sharp place Atlanta’s offensive line among the top 10 units entering the 2026 season, a testament to the growth and cohesion of this group.
This piece originally appeared on Falcons Wire and is designed to emphasize how the Falcons’ starting guard duo has risen to elite status in the NFL, contributing to the team’s overall offensive prowess and reliability. With Robinson anchoring the backfield and Lindstrom and Bergeron anchoring the interior, Atlanta has crafted one of the strongest offensive lines in football, a development that promises to bolster the team’s performance for years to come.