Another exciting Week 9 matchup in the NFL is guaranteed to put a big smile on your face as the Atlanta Falcons and the San Francisco 49ers square off at Levi’s Stadium this coming Sunday. The Falcons will be striving for a bounce back after a gut-wrenching setback to Tampa Bay in Week 8. The 49ers, meanwhile, are also coming off a one-sided loss against the Rams. Which team will be able to return to the winning column first?
Read on below for a complete breakdown of this promising clash. And while you’re at it, check out our other NFL Week 9 previews: Redskins vs. Patriots and Browns vs. Bengals. Enjoy.
[sc:Football ]Atlanta Falcons vs. San Francisco 49ers Preview
Where: Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara
When: Sunday, November 8, 4:05 PM ET
Line: Atlanta Falcons at San Francisco 49ers – view all NFL lines
TV Broadcast: FOX
Betting on the Atlanta Falcons (6-2)
The Atlanta Falcons failed to stay on the winning track last Sunday even though the Bucs did almost everything they can to lose. The Falcons managed to rally themselves back from a 17-point deficit but ultimately fell short in overtime, 23-20. That was their second defeat of the season and the first one at home.
[sc:NFL240banner ]Although, it’s worth noting that Matt Ryan’s efforts almost gave them the win. The quarterback completed 37 of his 45 passes for 397 yards and two touchdowns, including an 8-yarder to Julio Jones which sent the game into the extra period. Jones also had a very nice performance, ending the game with 162 yards on 12 receptions.
This setback was a tough one to swallow but life goes on for the Falcons this coming weekend as they’re scheduled to face the San Francisco Giants, who have lost six of their last seven games, for their Week 9 showdown at Levi’s Stadium.
For them to successfully bounce back, the Falcons ought to capitalize on their all-around offensive game that averages 414.8 total yards per contest, currently the fourth-most in the NFL. They’ve been particularly deadlier through the air with 9.1 yards per catch, which is all thanks to Jones.
Jones, the 26-year-old wide receiver, is going to be all smiles in this one as he attempts to dissect a mediocre Niners’ secondary (8.5 yards allowed per contest). He’s also reached the 100-yard mark in four of eight games thus far this year and boasts a team-best 730 receiving yards.
Meanwhile, Atlanta’s rushing attack has also been pretty lethal, averaging 4.3 yards per carry. Devonta Freeman is a testament to this as he’s already rumbled for a total of 621 rushing yards with nine touchdowns.
Atlanta is 6-4 SU and 5-5 ATS in its past 10 road games.
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Betting on the San Francisco 49ers (2-6)
Terrible. That basically sums up how the San Francisco 49ers fared in their Week 8 matchup with the St. Louis Rams. They were outscored in total yardage, 388-189, and were completely overwhelmed by the pair of Todd Gurley and Tavon Austin.
To be fair, the Niners were played short-handed in this one as they were without Carlos Hyde (left foot) and Reggie Bush, who was forced out of the game early due to a knee injury. With the two out, the team couldn’t get anything going on the ground at all.
Furthermore, Colin Kaepernick had another forgettable outing by completing just 48.8 percent of his passes for 162 yards with zero touchdowns and three sacks. The Niners have now failed to score a touchdown in their past two games and have lost six of their last seven, including their first three to NFC West opponents.
Heading into their Week 9 bout, the 49ers won’t be catching any break as they’re fated to take on the second-best team in the NFC South—Atlanta Falcons—this coming weekend. In order for them to get the upset or at least make things interesting, the pressure will be on Kaepernick to wake up from his slumber.
The dual threat quarterback has been horrible lately. He’s failed to deliver a passing touchdown in five of the team’s eight games. Kaepernick’s decision-making and proneness to mistakes are the main reasons for his current struggles. Although, one thing to be optimistic about is that he hasn’t turned the ball over for four-straight contests.
Over on defense, most of the pressure will be on NaVorro Bowman to find a way to disrupt Atlanta’s formidable offense. Bowman currently has a team-high of 53 solo tackles with 16 assists and one sack across five games played this season.
San Francisco is 5-5 SU and 3-7 ATS in its last 10 home games.
Writer’s Prediction
Atlanta bounces back with a resounding 30-10 triumph.
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