The San Francisco 49ers return to Levi’s Stadium in Week 7 looking to reassert their dominance in the NFC after an up-and-down stretch defined by injuries and inconsistent play on both sides of the ball. Despite missing key defensive leaders such as Fred Warner and the lingering absence of Nick Bosa, the 49ers remain one of the most structurally sound and mentally tough teams in football, capable of winning in multiple ways. Head coach Kyle Shanahan continues to orchestrate one of the NFL’s most efficient and well-designed offenses, blending motion, deception, and tempo to create mismatches across the field. Quarterback Brock Purdy, while not as explosive statistically as in previous seasons, remains a steady presence who operates the system with precision. His ability to stay composed under pressure and make quick, high-percentage reads is essential to keeping the offense on schedule, especially against a Falcons defense that thrives on disguising coverages and forcing turnovers. The offense still revolves around Christian McCaffrey, whose versatility as both a runner and receiver makes him the focal point of every defensive game plan. McCaffrey’s patience, vision, and burst allow Shanahan to diversify the attack—whether through wide zone runs, angle routes out of the backfield, or motion plays that stretch defenses horizontally. Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk continue to provide dynamic threats in the passing game, both excelling after the catch, though health has been a concern for both at various points this season.

Tight end George Kittle remains the emotional leader of the offense, setting the tone with his physical blocking and reliable hands in clutch situations. The 49ers’ offensive line, though missing some continuity due to injuries, has held its own, particularly in run blocking, but they must improve in pass protection to prevent the Falcons’ front from disrupting Purdy’s rhythm. Defensively, San Francisco’s identity has been tested without Warner and Bosa, but this unit still possesses playmakers capable of changing games. Javon Hargrave and Arik Armstead anchor the interior, while the secondary, led by Charvarius Ward and Talanoa Hufanga, has shown resilience even against elite passing attacks. The key will be generating pressure without exposing the secondary to extended coverage responsibilities, which defensive coordinator Nick Sorensen may address through creative blitz packages and simulated pressures. Linebackers Dre Greenlaw and Oren Burks will have their hands full trying to contain Bijan Robinson, who poses a unique dual-threat challenge. On special teams, Jake Moody’s consistency has given the 49ers a reliable edge in the kicking game, while punter Mitch Wishnowsky continues to pin opponents deep, helping the defense control field position. The 49ers’ formula for victory will hinge on execution—staying ahead of the chains offensively, limiting turnovers, and forcing Atlanta into predictable passing downs. At home, where Shanahan’s teams have historically thrived, San Francisco will aim to dictate tempo early, establish physical dominance at the line of scrimmage, and remind the league why they remain one of the NFC’s most complete and dangerous squads when operating at full rhythm.