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

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December 11, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive end DeForest Buckner (99) sacks New York Jets quarterback Bryce Petty (9) during the third quarter at Levi’s Stadium. The Jets defeated the 49ers 23-17 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

Offensive & Defensive X-Factors for the 49ers

The Falcons have an elite offense and a pretty bad defense. Meanwhile, San Francisco has…

Well, let’s just leave it at that.

RB Carlos Hyde

One of the only ways the 49ers can hold off Atlanta’s defense will be to keep it off the field.

That means winning the time-of-possession battle — something the Niners and head coach Chip Kelly aren’t good at.

November 20, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) hands off to running back Carlos Hyde (28) against the New England Patriots during the first quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

But if there is a shift to this approach, look for running back Carlos Hyde to be a part of the equation early and often. Hyde is closing in on 1,000 rushing yards for the first time in his career, so this game has more than enough individual motivation for the team’s No. 1 tailback.

WR Quinton Patton

With wide receiver Torrey Smith (concussion) out, fellow wideout Quinton Patton should receive a bit more attention.

Patton and quarterback Colin Kaepernick have a bit of a rapport — something Patton didn’t exactly have with former starter Blaine Gabbert. And the Niners’ fourth-round pick from the 2013 NFL Draft has already set career highs in receptions (35) and receiving yards (405).

Considering how weak the Falcons defense is, Patton could be in line for a productive day.

Oct 16, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; San Francisco 49ers offensive tackle Trent Brown (77) against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field. Buffalo beats San Francisco 45 to 16. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports /

RT Trent Brown

Sunday’s contest won’t be fun for second-year right tackle Trent Brown.

He’ll face off against Falcons defensive end Vic Beasley, who has a team-leading 13.5 sacks on the season. And Beasley owns an 82.9 grade this season, per Pro Football Focus, highest on Atlanta’s defense.

DE DeForest Buckner and the 49ers Defense

The 49ers defense doesn’t stand much of a chance against quarterback Matt Ryan and Co. We get this.

But if there is a slight glimmer of hope, it rests with rookie defensive end DeForest Buckner.

Buckner totaled 10 tackles and two sacks last week against New York, en route to a Pepsi Rookie of the Week nomination. And he’s now tied for the team lead in sacks (five) with linebacker Ahmad Brooks.

If Buckner can pressure Ryan well enough, maybe — just maybe — San Francisco’s defense stands a chance.