49ers RB Carlos Hyde vs. Falcons LB Deion Jones: Hyde is closing in on a 1,000-yard season, with 897 yards and six rushing touchdowns. He rushed for 193 yards on 17 carries last week against the Jets, but was stuffed on a fourth-and-2 in overtime. Jones, who has shown big-play ability in pass coverage, must play as aggressively against the run. He is second on the team with 79 tackles.
49ers RT Trent Brown vs. Falcons OLB Vic Beasley: Brown is a massive second-year player from Florida, who's 6-foot-5, 365 pounds. He has a size advantage and will receive help from the tight end and running backs against the emerging Beasley. The Falcons are elated with Beasley's play. He's tied for the NFL lead with 13.5 sacks. He had three sacks and scored his first career touchdown last week against the Rams and was named the NFC's defensive player of the week. Beasley leads the league with six forced fumbles.
49ers LB Nick Bellore vs. Falcons RB Devonta Freeman: Bellore has 71 tackles in nine starts this season as the 49ers miss the inside presence of NaVorro Bowman, who's out after tearing his Achilles tendon against Dallas. Bellore, who played at Central Michigan, is a feisty competitor who started his career with the Jets. Freeman rushed for 6 yards on six carries against the Rams and has only one 100-yard rushing game this season. He'll look to get loose against the 32nd-ranked rush defense in the league.
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