49ers vs. Falcons: 4 bold predictions that pan out in Week 15
By Peter Panacy
No. 3: 49ers hold Falcons to less than 100 yards rushing
San Francisco had difficulty stopping the run early this season, but that trend has turned around a lot in recent weeks.
The 49ers have allowed an average of just 81 rush yards per game over the last five weeks, which is why their yards-per-carry average against has dropped from nearly 5 yards where it was early this season all the way down to 4.2.
Atlanta’s offensive line ranks 26th in run support this season, according to Football Outsiders, and the entire Falcons ground game is averaging just 3.7 yards per attempt.
That’s third lowest in the league entering Week 15.
While wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson has been a high-performing multipurpose weapon, much like the Niners’ own Deebo Samuel, there’s a good chance San Francisco’s defense continues its recent trend of limiting opposing teams’ running abilities.
Especially if the 49ers get out to a lead, look for Atlanta to fall short of the 100-yard rushing plateau on Sunday.