The San Francisco 49ers will head back home with momentum on their side after edging past the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 14. Can they record their second consecutive win against a surging Atlanta side in this Falcons vs 49ers showdown?
Atlanta Falcons enter Week 15 as +9 underdogs
Atlanta's playoff hopes remained very much alive after the Falcons recorded a 29-21 win over the Carolina Panthers in their NFC South showdown in Week 14. The Falcons are currently in 10th place in the NFC standings but they hold the same record as the seventh-ranked Washington Football Team with both sides sporting 6-7 slates heading into Week 15.
The Falcons will look to make it two wins in a row when they face the San Francisco 49ers this coming Sunday. A victory here will send the Falcons into a tie with the 49ers, a critical development in the race for the final wild card spots.
For the Falcons to grab the all-important win, they will need Matt Ryan to deliver the goods against the 49ers. He completed 19 of 28 passes for 190 yards and a touchdown in the win against the Panthers.
The Falcons got some terrible news, though, just days before their crunch clash with San Francisco. Starting safety Erik Harris has been ruled out for the remainder of the season after suffering a torn pectoral muscle in the first quarter against Carolina. He has been superb for Atlanta this season, recording 64 tackles which are the second-most of his career.
Related Article: Washington Football Team vs Philadelphia Eagles Week 15 Predictions, Picks, Odds, and Preview
San Francisco 49ers installed as -9 favorites
The San Francisco 49ers will head to their showdown against the Atlanta Falcons with momentum on their side after beating the Cincinnati Bengals, 26-23, in an overtime thriller in Week 14. It was a huge bounce-back win for the 49ers, who suffered a 30-23 loss to the Seattle Seahawks in Week 13.
The 49ers escaped with the victory despite blowing a 14-point lead in the fourth quarter. Jimmy Garoppolo made sure there won't be a late collapse for the Niners, throwing a 12-yard touchdown pass to Brandon Aiyuk with 1:53 left in overtime for the go-ahead score.
For the 49ers to grab the win against the Falcons, they will need Garoppolo to continue his stellar play under center. He completed 27 of 41 passes for 296 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions in the win against the Bengals. George Kittle benefited from Garoppolo's highly efficient play, catching 13 passes for 151 yards and a score.
Two of those receptions came during San Francisco's scoring drive in overtime. Kittle has been playing great football of late, recording 332 receiving yards and three touchdowns in his last two games. Kittle has scored six touchdowns in his last six outings for San Francisco.
Writer's Prediction
San Francisco wins, but Atlanta covers the spread.
READ MORE ON SWN:
Saints vs Bucs Week 15 Predictions, Picks, and Preview: Can Tampa Bay Clinch the NFC South?
Patriots vs Colts Week 15 Predictions, Picks, Odds, and NFL Preview: Run Game Key In AFC Duel
© Copyright 2024 Sports World News, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
