Niner Noise
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49ers vs. Falcons: Week 15 Preview for San Francisco

By Peter Panacy

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The San Francisco 49ers face off against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 15 and will try to end their 12-game losing skid. Niner Noise previews this contest and takes a look at X-factors, injuries, game information and much more.

Jan 20, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Roddy White (84) is tackled by San Francisco 49ers defensive back Chris Culliver (29) during the first quarter of the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 20, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Roddy White (84) is tackled by San Francisco 49ers defensive back Chris Culliver (29) during the first quarter of the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /

For the first time in three weeks, the San Francisco 49ers will actually play a meaningful game.

Outside of the proverbial draft-order discussion, of course.

The Niners will visit the Atlanta Falcons in Week 15. And while San Francisco’s playoff hopes eroded a long time ago, the Falcons (8-5) are right in the thick of things in the NFC South. They’re currently tied with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the division. So Sunday’s contest has a great deal of meaning for Atlanta.

Meanwhile, the 49ers are still riding the franchise’s worst losing streak in team history. And back-to-back losses against the lowly Chicago Bears and New York Jets don’t inspire any confidence going into the Georgia Dome.

At this point in the season, it’s easier to simply assume head coach Chip Kelly and Co. will suffer another loss.

And that may be fine for those clamoring for the highest draft pick possible.

But what are the other storylines? Is there anything left for which the Niners are playing right now, outside of pride?

We’ll take a look at that, and more, in this week’s Niner Noise preview.