Game Day: Atlanta Falcons at San Francisco 49ers

Today, the San Francisco 49ers (2-6) will host the Atlanta Falcons (6-2) at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California.

The Falcons are coming off of a 23-20 overtime loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The 49ers are coming off of a 27-6 loss the St. Louis Rams.

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The Falcons are the 49ers' only NFC South opponent of the season. The last time these two teams met was during the final game played at Candlestick Park, which was highlighted by an interception of Falcons QB Matt Ryan by LB NaVorro Bowman to seal the victory. Bowman returned the pick for a touchdown to give the 49ers the 34-24 win.

This time, it won't be QB Colin Kaepernick leading the 49ers offense. QB Blaine Gabbert will get his first 49ers start in place of the benched Kaepernick. Behind him, he will have a new-look running back corps. RB Carlos Hyde (foot) and RB Mike Davis (hand, on IR) will not be available for this matchup. That leaves former practice squad member Kendall Gaskins and newcomers Pierre Thomas and Shaun Draughn to run the ball, with the latter two having been signed just this week.

Thomas and Draughn have been working hard with running backs coach Tom Rathman to get caught up on the 49ers' offense with Gaskins doing what he can to help get them up to speed. The trio look to share the load at running back for the team.

WR Anquan Boldin could miss his second straight game as he has been listed as doubtful on the team's injury list. The team suddenly finds itself without healthy cornerbacks. CB Tramaine Brock (shin), CB Kenneth Acker (concussion), and CB Keith Reaser (ankle) are all listed as questionable for today's game. To possibly fill the void, the team promoted two practice squad cornerbacks to the active roster this week – Marcus Cromartie and Chris Davis.

In his first career start last weekend, S Jaquiski Tartt forced a fumble by Rams WR Tavon Austin fumble as LB Eli Harold recovered the loose ball. Both the forced fumble by Tartt and fumble recovery by Harold were the first of their careers respectively.

On special teams, DT Quinton Dial blocked a 40-yard field goal attempt by Rams K Greg Zuerlein. It marked the first blocked field goal by a member of the 49ers since 2012. K Phil Dawson connected on both of his field goal attempts on the day, including a 54-yarder that marked his longest field goal of the season. He has made 13 consecutive field goal attempts and has made at least one field goal in five consecutive games.

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To say that the Falcons offense is a formidable test for the 49ers defense is an understatement. Ryan ranks third in passing yards among NFL quarterbacks, behind only Philip Rivers and Tom Brady. RB Devonta Freeman leads the league in rushing and WR Julio Jones leads in receiving yards. Freeman also ranks first in rushing touchdowns (9), four scores more than the back in second place.

What They Are Saying

"NaVorro's a great player. I think he's looked really, really good. He's gotten better as the year has gone on. I'm sure that he's feeling more like himself out there, but he's as good a linebacker as there is in this league. He's physical. Plays really, really well against the run. When they pressure with him, he's very good at blitzing and he's great in pass coverage. So, he's a tough player to go against." – Falcons QB Matt Ryan on LB NaVorro Bowman

"It's a really classy organization that has had tons of success. So, I was fortunate to be able to start my career there. Some really unique guys, from Bill Walsh to Terry Donahue, Bill McPherson and Steve Mariucci. There were all these unique guys where I went there and thought I knew some things about football and I got there and was like, man, I don't know anything about football." – Falcons Head Coach Dan Quinn on the 49ers

Kickoff: Sunday, November 8 at 1:05 PM PT

Television: The game will be televised on FOX (Check 506 Sports to see if it is local)

Bay Area Radio: KGO 810 & The Bone 107.7 (Other radio affiliates)

Spanish Radio: KTRB 860

All-Time Matchup: 49ers lead series 46-30-1

Last Meeting: 12/23/13, 49ers win 34-24, at SF

Current Streak: Won 2

Betting: The Falcons are 7.5 point favorites

NFL Fan Picks: 76% pick the Falcons to win according to Yahoo! Sports

49ers Fan Picks: Within our Pick 'em Contest, 75% believe the Falcons will win

49ers Schedule: View full schedule

Falcons News: Falcons news at Problitz.com

Follow Game Online: NFL.com's Game Center

Discuss: Niner Talk forum

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Articles to be added as they become available.

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