Not the strongest second half, but a hot start and just enough defense preserved a 23-17 win for the San Francisco 49ers last Monday night, running their record to an unblemished 6-0. Quarterback Brock Purdy threw for 264 yards, and running back Christian McCaffrey and tight end George Kittle accounted for all touchdowns, while wide receiver Mike Evans tallied 94 receiving yards before leaving early to an Achilles injury.
Defensively, rookie linebacker Jaden Dugger got the start for a suspended Dre Greenlaw, and with Fred Warner, combined for 19 tackles. Malik Mustapha "missiled" in for a fourth-quarter key stop along with a late pass breakup to keep the win intact, as the defense compiled 10 quarterback hits, four sacks and conceded just 53 yards rushing.
Up next before a much-anticipated bye week is the Atlanta Falcons, who currently sit at 2-4 in a middling NFC South. Atlanta's season began with uncertainty at quarterback between Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr. Tagovailoa has been injured and subsequently benched, leading to Penix taking over since week three. The offense and defense are statistically average, but Bijan Robinson is second in the NFL in rushing yards.
The Falcons have talent on both sides of the ball, but with a -7 turnover differential, opportunity is there for the 49ers to make it seven straight.
5 - Kyle Juszczyk
A 35-year-old veteran fullback on this list means that, from an injury standpoint, desperate times call for desperate measures. Kyle Juszczyk missed Week 5 at Seattle with a knee injury, and has totaled just five receptions this season, but anything he provides aside from blocking for Christian McCaffrey and Kaelon Black would be a gift.
4 - Jordan Watkins
Given the injuries to receivers Mike Evans and Deebo Samuel, the depth at the position has gone from deep to now non-existent. Brock Purdy referenced this week, suggesting Jordan Watkins could receive more opportunities. He has incrementally increased his snap count since week three, despite just three receptions. Veterans Brandon Cooks and Christian Kirk will have their targets as well, but Watkins could have the biggest impact.
3 - Deommodore Lenoir
The receiver matchup this week is against Drake London. Physically, this is an even matchup, although London has an edge in height. Facing off against the opposition's WR1, cornerback Deommodore Lenoir has been up to the challenge for the most part, allowing just four receptions in five of the six games so far.
London has precise route-running and is versatile in terms of staying intermediate or going deep, despite yet to hit paydirt. Passes defensed and limiting yards after catch is what Lenoir's goal should be this week.
2 - Gracen Halton
On the pass rush front, defensive tackle Gracen Halton has been very good, accounting for eight quarterback pressures, five tackles for loss, and his forced fumble, recovery, and touchdown against Seattle is one of the highlights of the season. The numbers show Halton is middle-tier against the run, but he certainly has proven himself to be a disruptor with athleticism.
Falcons running back Bijan Robinson prefers to run left, so anything Halton and Osa Odighizuwa can do to contain him is key. Tackles for loss in short down-and-distance situations could be attainable.
1 - George Kittle
Given how the receiver room is decimated, Kittle should be featured with regularity this week considering that Atlanta has conceded 38 catches and four touchdowns to opposing tight ends already through six weeks. Brock Purdy has played like an MVP and Christian McCaffrey has been very good, but this could be Kittle's most favorable matchup so far, with Atlanta being most susceptible in the down the middle of the field and in the red zone.
A big day could be in store from one of the founders of Tight End U on National Tight Ends Day.
More info on: Kaelon Black, Jaden Dugger, Mike Evans, Dre Greenlaw, Gracen Halton, Kyle Juszczyk, Christian Kirk, George Kittle, Deommodore Lenoir, Christian McCaffrey, Malik Mustapha, Osa Odighizuwa, Brock Purdy, Deebo Samuel, Fred Warner, Jordan Watkins
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