Atlanta Falcons

3 key matchups: 49ers at Falcons

Oct 14, 2022

FLOWERY BRANCH -- Here are three key matchups to watch when the Falcons (2-3) host the 49ers (3-2) at 1 p.m. Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium:

49ers RB Jeff Wilson vs. Falcons LB Rashaan Evans: Wilson, who played at North Texas, has rushed 74 times for 375 yards and two touchdowns. Evans, who’ll take over the signal-calling with Mykal Walker slowed by a groin injury, has 40 tackles on the season.

49ers TE George Kittle vs. Falcons S Jaylinn Hawkins: Kittle has been slowed by injury this season. He’s caught 11 of 15 targets for 99 yards in only three games. He caught a season-high five passes for 47 yards against the Panthers in his last outing. Hawkins has 28 tackles, a pass breakup and a forced fumble.

49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk vs. Falcons CB A.J. Terrell: When the 49ers move Deebo Samuel into the backfield, Terrell likely will see some time on Aiyuk. He’s caught 17 of 27 targets for 237 yards and a touchdown. Terrell has 24 tackles and four pass breakups.

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Atlanta Falcons 2022 schedule

Sept. 11: Saints 27, Falcons 26

Sept. 18: Rams 31, Falcons 27

Sept. 25 Falcons 27, Seahawks 23

Oct. 2 Falcons 23, Browns 20

Oct. 9 Buccaneers 21, Falcons 15

Oct. 16 vs. San Francisco, 1 p.m.

Oct. 23 at Cincinnati, 1 p.m.

Oct. 30 vs. Carolina, 1 p.m.

Nov. 6 vs. Los Angeles Chargers, 1 p.m.

Nov. 10 at Carolina, 8:15 p.m.

Nov. 20 vs. Chicago, 1 p.m.

Nov. 27 at Washington, 1 p.m.

Dec. 4 vs. Pittsburgh, 1 p.m.

BYE WEEK

Dec. 18 at New Orleans, TBD

Dec. 24 at Baltimore, 1 p.m.

Jan. 1 vs. Arizona, 1 p.m.

Jan. 8 vs. Tampa Bay, TBD

About the Author

Honored by the Pro Football Hall of Fame in recognition of his "long and distinguished reporting in the field of pro football," D. Orlando Ledbetter, Esq. has covered the NFL 28 seasons. A graduate of Howard University, he's a winner of Georgia Sportswriter of the Year and three Associated Press Sports Editor awards.

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