The Atlanta Falcons have spent two straight Sundays fighting from behind, and now an unbeaten giant is coming to Mercedes-Benz Stadium. On Sunday, Bijan Robinson and the 2-4 Falcons welcome the 6-0 San Francisco 49ers in Week 7. It is a game about Atlanta’s chance to turn its exciting talent into a complete four-quarter performance.

Robinson is the center of that story. He has rushed for 641 yards in six games, a huge start that shows how often Atlanta can lean on his quick feet and strong cuts. He can burst through a small opening, slip away from tacklers, or catch a short pass and turn it into extra yards. The Falcons average nearly 150 rushing yards per game, so getting Robinson moving early can help quarterback Michael Penix Jr. avoid difficult passing downs.

Penix has two big targets waiting outside and over the middle. Drake London has already collected 550 receiving yards, using his size to make tough catches. Kyle Pitts Sr. gives Atlanta another dangerous option near the goal line, where he has caught three touchdown passes. Chicago slowed Robinson last week and forced Atlanta to play from behind. The Falcons still rallied late, but lost two kicks and a fumble along the way. Against San Francisco, protecting the ball will be as important as making explosive plays.

That is difficult because the 49ers arrive with a defense that has allowed only 18.3 points per game. San Francisco does not need every drive to end perfectly because its defenders keep games close. Nick Bosa, their powerful pass rusher, is listed as questionable with a calf issue. If he plays, Atlanta’s blockers will have a major job keeping him away from Penix.

On the other side, Brock Purdy leads an offense built like a moving puzzle. Coach Kyle Shanahan uses players in different spots before the snap, trying to make defenders hesitate. Purdy has spread passes around while Christian McCaffrey remains the engine. McCaffrey has scored seven rushing touchdowns and is also a slippery receiver, making him a problem even when he is not carrying the ball.

Atlanta must also handle George Kittle, whose five touchdown catches lead San Francisco. Kittle can help block on one play, then race into open space on the next. Mike Evans adds a tall target for Purdy, though he is questionable with ribs and Achilles concerns. The 49ers are also without several receivers, including Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel Sr., so Kittle and McCaffrey may carry even more of the passing load.

The Falcons have gained enough yards to compete, but their minus-seven turnover differential means they have too often given opponents extra chances. San Francisco has been steadier in tight games, winning by six points over Washington and three over Seattle in its past two weeks. Atlanta’s home crowd and Robinson’s game-breaking skill can make this a fierce challenge, but the 49ers have more answers on both sides of the ball. Prediction: San Francisco wins.

Bijan Robinson Brings Atlanta’s Big Challenge Home