We have a crucial NFC battle on Monday morning with the injury ravaged 49ers trying to keep their division lead when they face the high-flying Falcons. Here are my tips for this primetime matchup.
Atlanta Falcons (3-2) at San Francisco 49ers (4-2)
The Falcons are seeking a 3rd straight win when they head West this Monday. It was a massive win last week, beating the Bills in primetime 24-14. Bijan Robinson led the way on the ground with a massive game, finishing with 170 yards on 19 carries and that included a huge 81 yard TD run. The defence also showed up in a tough matchup, sacking Josh Allen 4 times and getting 2 picks.
San Fran are looking ok at 4-2 despite a massive injury list that seems to just get worse every week. They come off a 30-19 loss in Tampa and lost LB Fred Warner. 2nd string QB Mac Jones will likely get the start again and comes off a rough 2 interception and 6 sack game. But his connection with former Pat Kendrick Bourne remains strong. They hooked up for 5 catches and 142 yards last game.
Leg #1 - Falcons +3.5
Atlanta are pretty underrated at the moment and the 49ers injury crisis is surely going to take its toll soon. The Falcons also have a good record of covering against San Fran, going 4-2 ATS in the last 6 meetings. While at home, the 49ers are just 1-5 ATS and lost their last home game against the Jags 26-21. So take the Falcons to keep this under a field goal and potentially a win.
Leg #2 - Falcons 1st Quarter Point Spread +0.5
In the Falcons last 2 wins, they've been fast starters, leading against the Bills and Commanders after 1 quarter. With a defence that ranks 1st in the NFL for rushing yards allowed, that should put a lot of pressure on the 49ers ability to move the chains in the early stages.
Leg #3 - Under 46.5 pts
Atlanta's defence was impressive last week, keeping the Bills and Josh Allen to just 14 pts. The trend says under when the Falcons are on the road, going 5-2 in their last 7 road games. The Under is also 4-1 in the Falcons last 5. The Falcons D should pose a lot of problems for the 49ers banged up offence and Mac Jones has a few injury issues too. Despite injuries, the 49ers D has been decent, allowing 21.3 ppg and that ranks them middle of the road in the NFL. In front of their home fans in primetime, they should use that as motivation.
Same Game Multi
Falcons +3.5 / Falcons 1st Quarter Point Spread +0.5 / Under 46.5 pts = $4.10
