The Atlanta Falcons (6-2, second in the NFC South) head to Levi's Stadium to face the struggling San Francisco 49ers (2-6, fourth in the NFC West) in a rematch of the 2013 NFC Championship game.
A heartbreaking overtime loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers brought the Falcons' record to 6-2 on the season with turnovers being a big factor in the final score. Meanwhile, Jim Tomsula's team were blown out 27-6 at home against NFC West rivals, the St. Louis Rams.
Things To Watch For:
Devonta Freeman - the 49ers defense: Freeman has enjoyed a huge start to his Sophomore season in the NFL and on Sunday, faces the sixth worst run defense in the league. The 49ers have struggled mightily against the run and Freeman will be aiming to replicate Todd Gurley's performance from last week, 133 yards and one touchdown.
Julio Jones - Tramaine Brock: The 49ers secondary has not been as bad as their run defense but they've yet to face as dynamic a receiver as Julio Jones. Tramaine Brock will be tasked with keeping the superstar quiet after he racked up 166 yards and a touchdown last weekend. Jones currently leads the league in receiving yards with 892 yards and six touchdowns to accompany those yards.
Blaine Gabbert: The former-Jaguars QB is main talking point of the buildup to this game having replaced Colin Kaepernick. Gabbert's career is disappointing to say the least but he'll be hoping to keep the starting job with a solid performance against an underrated Falcons defense. The Missouri-man has tallied 23 touchdowns and 24 interceptions in his NFL career thus far.
Injury Report:
Atlanta Falcons: The Falcons have already ruled out a handful of players including wide receiver Leonard Hankerson and linebacker Justin Durant. Also out for Sunday's game is Pro Bowl safety William Moore and impressive second-year corner Robert Alford, both with groin injuries. Atlanta's first round draft pick Vic Beasley Jr. is questionable with a foot problem while Jonathan Babineaux should be able to play after missing time due to personal reasons.
San Francisco 49ers: The 49ers are suffering from the injury also as they have ruled out running backs Carlos Hyde and Mike Davis through hand and foot injuries respectively. Safety L.J. McCray will miss the matchup - Atlanta on Sunday and wide receiver Anquan Boldin is doubtful for the game. Corners Tramaine Brock, Keither Reaser and Kenneth Acker are questionable as a meeting with Julio Jones awaits.
Tight end Garrett Celek is also questionable for Sunday due to a concussion. Six players are considered probable, among them are Joe Staley, Eric Reid, NaVorro Bowman, and Ahmad Brooks.
Prediction:
The Falcons are carrying a huge chip on their shoulder having "beaten themselves" via turnovers last weekend. The 49ers will be hoping Blaine Gabbert can impress in his first regular season start since 2013. It's unlikely the game will be as one-sided as some predict but Atlanta should handle the game well and come out on top.
Falcons 32, 49ers 14.