5 most winnable games 49ers will have on 2022 NFL calendar
By Peter Panacy
49ers Opponent No. 4: Atlanta Falcons
Yes, the Atlanta Falcons arguably overachieved a bit in 2021, ultimately finishing with a 7-10 record instead of being a doormat for the rest of the NFC South.
But the Falcons have a number of challenges that suggest they’ll be off to a worse situation next year. Instead of fully committing to a team-wide rebuild the last offseason, it was only halfway executed, highlighted by trading away wide receiver Julio Jones to the Tennessee Titans yet retaining some aging, expensive players and not exploring an eventual heir apparent under center for quarterback Matt Ryan.
With just over $10.5 million in projected salary-cap space for 2022, per Over the Cap, and few ways to create a lot more, there’s a good chance Atlanta will be mired in more mediocrity next season.
And with few likable options out there to replace Ryan, he’ll remain the team’s best shot at being at least moderately competitive.
About the only thing keeping this particular contest from being ranked higher on this list is the fact it’s a road game for the Niners. That’s it.