Falcons vs. 49ers: Week 15 matchups, injuries and breakdown

Quarterback Comparison: Jimmy Garoppolo vs. Matt Ryan

Matt Ryan hasn’t come close to replicating the MVP-level numbers he enjoyed under Kyle Shanahan back in 2016, outside of Ryan’s 2018 campaign when the Falcons were terribly banged up on defense.

But Ryan still presents a tough challenge for San Francisco, and one would figure Ryan takes advantage of a banged-up 49ers secondary.

Similarly, Jimmy Garoppolo will have his opportunities against an Atlanta defense, which has allowed 3,359 yards this season through the air.

Matt Ryan

Ryan is still completing an average of 66.7 percent of his passes this season, which is good enough for 10th best among qualifiers. And his 93.4 passer rating currently ranks 15th.

But Ryan has been tossing more interceptions this year and has 12 to date, which has long since surpassed the seven thrown a year ago.

Perhaps that plays well enough into San Francisco’s defense, especially with No. 2 wide receiver Calvin Ridley lost for the rest of the season with an abdominal injury.

Jimmy Garoppolo

While some may have argued Garoppolo was merely managing the offense earlier this season, his efforts as of late have been outstanding, including his 26-of-35 mark against the Saints, in which he passed for 349 yards, four touchdowns, a non-fault interceptions and a 131.7 passer rating.

On the season in total, Garoppolo has now completed 69.5 percent of his passes, which is fifth best, while his 103.9 passer rating ranks eighth.

One might expect Garoppolo’s ascent to be a prime reason why the Niners can overcome some of their numerous injuries as of late.