Atlanta Falcons vs. San Francisco 49ers: Full game preview

Nov 1, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons head coach Dan Quinn (R) greets wide receiver Justin Hardy (16) in the first quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

Why to watch

Can the Falcons get back on track after a mistake-marred performance against the Buccaneers? If they can clean up the errors on offense, the team has all the tools to get the job done on the road.

As we all know, San Francisco lost a ton of talent on both sides of the football this past offseason. Now they are plagued with injuries. Running back Carlos Hyde is out with a foot injury, and Reggie Bush suffered a season-ending knee injury last week in St. Louis. Wide receiver Anquan Boldin is doubtful with a hamstring issue, and tight end Vernon Davis was traded to Denver this week.

Defensively, the 49ers haven’t been the dominant unit we’ve come to expect in recent years. It doesn’t help when the league’s No. 32 offense can’t stay on the field. Can the Falcons expose these weaknesses and pick up a crucial road victory?

A win would put Atlanta at 7-2 heading into the bye week, likely needing another three or four victories to secure a playoff berth. A loss would drop them to 6-3, which would be disappointing after a lightning 5-0 start.

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