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Falcons vs. 49ers: 5 matchups to watch in Week 15

By Jeremy Wohlfart

SANTA CLARA, CA - NOVEMBER 08: Shaun Draughn #24 of the San Francisco 49ers runs away from Kemal Ishmael #36 of the Atlanta Falcons at Levi's Stadium on November 8, 2015 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - NOVEMBER 08: Shaun Draughn #24 of the San Francisco 49ers runs away from Kemal Ishmael #36 of the Atlanta Falcons at Levi's Stadium on November 8, 2015 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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San Francisco 49ers
Emmanuel Sanders, San Francisco 49ers (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

No. 5: Emmanuel Sanders vs. Isaiah Oliver

It’s safe to say the returns on the trade for wide receiver  Emmanuel Sanders have been very good for San Francisco.

Fast becoming one of the favorite targets for quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, Sanders has 28 catches for 407 yards and three touchdowns as a Niner despite carrying an injury for part of the season.

His experience has been invaluable in a young 49ers receiving corps, and he has been a natural fit in the offense.

On the other side of the ball, the Falcons are without their top cornerback in Desmond Trufant, so the Falcons will have to use Isaiah Oliver against Sanders.

Given only a mediocre 58.8 grade by Pro Football Focus, this is a matchup the Niners can exploit. While Oliver is still young and adjusting to being a pro, Sanders should be wily enough to win.

And if they scheme it up, we may see Garoppolo attempt the deep ball to Sanders again.