The 6-7 Atlanta Falcons (+9.5) have found a way to stay close to .500 and remain in the thick of the playoff race, despite having an erratic season under first year head coach Arthur Smith. Meanwhile, the San Francisco 49ers (-9.5) are third in the NFC West, but at 7-6, they currently hold the 6th seed in the playoff race. This game is important to both clubs if they want to be playing in mid-January.
The Falcons offense has been a roller coaster this year. Losing Calvin Ridley has exposed their poor depth at wide receiver, but they also made one of the best free agent signings of the season by bringing on offensive weapon Cordarelle Patterson.