49ers vs. Falcons: 4 bold predictions that pan out in Week 15

The 49ers host the Falcons in Week 15, which prompts some reachable bold predictions for what needs to be a win for the red and gold.

The San Francisco 49ers hope to avoid the same kind of trap-game loss they suffered two years ago late in the 2019 season versus the Atlanta Falcons.

This time around, there’s a lot on the line for head coach Kyle Shanahan and Co. The Niners, 7-6, are yet to clinch a playoff berth and are holding onto the No. 6 seed in the NFC playoff picture. With four games remaining, Week 15 against the 6-7 Falcons has to be viewed as one of those very-winnable contests San Francisco would like to put in the books to improve postseason seeding.

By every stretch, the 49ers should walk away with a win. Atlanta ranks towards the bottom of the league in virtually every offensive and defensive category, and perhaps the only reason it’s just one game below the .500 mark has to do with the nature of opponents quarterback Matt Ryan and Co. have faced.

Hopefully, the Niners will be superior to those teams, and if they live up to these four bold predictions, they will.

No. 4: 49ers will get George Kittle another 150-yard game

Two weeks in a row now, tight end George Kittle has boasted at least 150 yards and has been a dominant force in San Francisco’s passing attack.

There’s no reason for the 49ers to keep Kittle from being their primary offensive funnel-through point versus Atlanta.

Falcons strong safety Duron Harmon, who’ll primarily be responsible for covering Kittle, has been a pass-coverage liability ever since he left the New England Patriots back after 2019, and his current campaign with the Falcons has been no different.

Through 14 weeks, Harmon is allowing a passer rating of 117.6 when opposing quarterbacks target him, and he’s surrendered 78.1 percent of all targets for catches.

Kittle’s athleticism should be more than enough for the 30-year-old Harmon, who’ll likely wind up having his hands full with the Niners’ All-Pro.

Expect Kittle to crest 150 yards for the third week in a row.