As his head coach, Raheem Morris repeatedly called Bijan Robinson "the best player in football." Now stalking the opposite sidelines from the Falcons star, the 49ers defensive coordinator will be tasked with figuring out a way to keep the running back from wrecking his team's perfect record.
Morris is surely equipped to counter Atlanta's attack, having led the same core from 2024-25 as head coach. But a San Francisco defense that tops the league in defensive expected points added per play on rushing attempts will be in for its stiffest test yet against the All-Pro ball carrier.
On the other side of the ball, Brock Purdy will look to maintain sky-high efficiency despite mounting attrition at wide receiver.
Falcons vs 49ers odds, moneyline, over/under
Opening lines:
- Spread: 49ers -4.5
- Moneyline: 49ers -230; Falcons +190
- Total: 47.5
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Falcons vs 49ers USA TODAY expert picks
Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz: 49ers 35, Falcons 24
How San Francisco's surprising defense handles Robinson is sure to be one of the most compelling storylines in this game. But mitigating any damage might not fall on that unit alone. Chicago managed to minimize Robinson's role by stringing together long drives and holding onto the ball for more than 40 minutes. Given how prolific San Francisco's offense is at working the intermediate area - and how badly Atlanta's defense struggles in that area - the 49ers could leave the Falcons in a problematic position by racing out to an early lead and controlling the terms of the game.
Adam Kaufman: 49ers 30, Falcons 23
At some point, San Francisco's injuries have to catch up with it, right? The 49ers keep answering that question with another win to stay unbeaten, although Mike Evans' latest injury creates another challenge on a short week before traveling to Atlanta. Fortunately, Brock Purdy still has Christian McCaffrey and George Kittle to help keep the offense moving. I like those options against a Falcons secondary that has struggled. The Falcons' path is straightforward: feed Bijan Robinson, keep Purdy watching and prevent Michael Penix Jr. from having to rescue the game with difficult throws. That should keep Atlanta competitive, but I'm still expecting San Francisco to execute more consistently and take advantage of a mistake or two.
Falcons vs 49ers picks roundup
Sports Illustrated: 49ers -3
"Until the Falcons' secondary gets healthy, they're going to get torched by any competent quarterback, and this week they have to take on an MVP candidate in Brock Purdy, which will be the Falcons' toughest test yet."
The Athletic: Falcons +3.5
"Spoiler alert: the San Francisco 49ers are again dealing with injuries."
BetMGM: Falcons are intriguing underdog
"San Francisco travels to Atlanta on a short week while the Falcons get a third consecutive home game. ... Plus, Atlanta’s defense could see the return of corner A.J. Terrell from IR to help against a good passing game. ... Buy-low opportunity on a good offense."
NFL Spin Zone: 49ers 35, Falcons 17
Kyle Shanahan might be well underway with the best head coaching job of his career, and while it's still early, the returns in 2026 seem to indicate this team is plenty good enough to make the Super Bowl.
Where to watch 49ers at Falcons
- Matchup: Falcons vs. 49ers
- Date: Oct. 25
- Time: 1:00 p.m.
- Venue: Mercedes-Benz Stadium
- Location: Atlanta, Georgia
- TV: Fox
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 49ers at Falcons early predictions: Best Week 7 bets to target
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