Week 7 · 2026
Falcons Turn Four Takeaways Into a 29-20 Stunner Over San Francisco
San Francisco 49ers 20 at Atlanta Falcons 29
A Fast Start Fades
The San Francisco 49ers arrived in Atlanta with six wins and no losses, but the Falcons were ready to change that story. Atlanta had fallen into early deficits, or score gaps, in its last two games. This time, the Falcons faced a 14-3 gap after Black ran 30 yards for a touchdown early in the second quarter. San Francisco had struck first when Christian McCaffrey scored from 1 yard away. Yet Atlanta did not let the fast start decide the day. Michael Penix Jr. kept making quick, smart throws, while Bijan Robinson helped move the ball. Tight end Nick Muse then caught a 1-yard touchdown pass. The extra-point kick hit the goalpost, so the Falcons trailed 14-9.
The Momentum Swings
Four minutes before halftime, Atlanta’s defense created the opening it needed. Safety Watts knocked the ball loose from Black, and the Falcons recovered it. A fumble happens when a player loses control of the ball during a play. Penix showed composure as he led Atlanta close enough for Nick Folk’s 33-yard field goal, making the score 14-12 at the break. After halftime, the Falcons pushed ahead at last. Penix completed key passes to Kyle Pitts Sr. and Drake London during a 59-yard drive. Pitts caught a 5-yard touchdown, giving Atlanta a 19-14 lead. Soon after, safety Bates intercepted Brock Purdy’s pass, meaning he caught a throw meant for San Francisco. That stop gave Atlanta another chance to build its lead.
A Final Defensive Stand
Penix used that chance early in the fourth quarter. He found London deep along the left side for a 21-yard touchdown. Atlanta led 26-14, and London finished with seven catches for 66 yards. San Francisco still had time to answer, though, and Kyle Juszczyk caught a 1-yard touchdown to cut the lead to 26-20. The Falcons’ determination showed up again when linebacker Daniels intercepted Purdy on the next drive. Folk added a 31-yard field goal, and Atlanta led by nine points. In the final minute, Purdy moved the 49ers to Atlanta’s 19-yard line. Then Bates forced George Kittle to fumble, and Daniels recovered the ball. Penix knelt to end Atlanta’s 29-20 win, as the Falcons handed San Francisco its first loss and improved to 3-4.