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49ers at Falcons: Game preview, odds, prediction

By John Buhler

November 8, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman (24) runs with the football against San Francisco 49ers inside linebacker NaVorro Bowman (53) during the third quarter at Levi
November 8, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman (24) runs with the football against San Francisco 49ers inside linebacker NaVorro Bowman (53) during the third quarter at Levi /
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The Atlanta Falcons will host the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday afternoon in Week 15. Here’s a game preview, the betting odds and a final score prediction.

In one of the late afternoon kickoffs on Sunday, Dec. 18, the Atlanta Falcons (8-5) will host the San Francisco 49ers (1-12). Kickoff from the Georgia Dome in Atlanta will be at 4:05 p.m. ET. FOX will have the telecast.

San Francisco has lost its last 12 games since winning on Monday Night Football in Week 1 at home against the Los Angeles Rams. The 49ers are almost guaranteed to be picking in the top three of the 2017 NFL Draft. They need many things on this depleted NFL roster, including a franchise quarterback. San Francisco might be the one team in the NFL furthest away from contention.

Atlanta sits atop the NFC South standings with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with three weeks remaining. The Falcons won’t play a team above .500 (San Francisco, Carolina, New Orleans) the rest of the way. With rivalries with all three remaining opponents (including the 49ers from the old NFC West days), there isn’t a chance Atlanta doesn’t get up for all three of these games. Keep in mind that Atlanta lost on the road to the 49ers last season.

Odds

Point Spread: Atlanta -13.5
Moneylines: Atlanta -900, San Francisco +600
Over/Under: 51.5

According to OddsShark.com, the Falcons will be laying a massive 13.5 points to the visiting 49ers. The associated moneylines for this game are the Atlanta -900 and San Francisco +600. This game’s over/under comes in at a combined 51.5 points.

Here are the trends to know about the 49ers: 1.) San Francisco is 1-10-1 against the spread in its last 12 games. 2.) The 49ers have lost 12 straight games. 3.) They have gone under in four of their last five games. 4.) San Francisco is 1-6-1 against the spread in its last eight road games. 5.) The 49ers have lost their last eight road games.

Here are the trends to know about the Falcons: 1.) Atlanta is 8-4 in its last 12 games. 2.) The Falcons are 4-2 straight up in their last six games. 3.) They have gone over in seven of their last eight games. 4.) Atlanta is 3-9 against the spread in its last 12 home games. 5.) All five of the Falcons’ last five home games have gone over.

Atlanta is laying a ton of points to the 49ers. The Falcons haven’t been great at home this season (3-3), but Atlanta should have no problem beating the 49ers on Sunday. However, the 49ers will put up points on the Atlanta defense late to keep it semi-interesting.

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Being that Atlanta is tied atop the NFC South with Tampa Bay and lost on the road to San Francisco, Falcons head coach Dan Quinn will treat this like a must-win for the Falcons. Take the over, as Atlanta just covers the 13.5-point spread.

Pick: Falcons 35, 49ers 21

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