NFL / Andy Richmond / 09 October 2009 / Leave a comment

Tony Gonzalez and Roddy Hill could be the gamebreakers for Atlanta as they go to San Francisco

"Expect Falcons QB Matt Ryan to look downfield for his two favourite targets – WR Roddy Hill and TE Tony Gonzalez - both would be worth looking at in the TD scorer markets."

This game revolves around the run - can the Falcons re-establish that part of their offensive strategy and stop the 49er's from running the ball which they have done successfully this year.

There's not much finesse to the San Francisco side and although that running ability may be hampered by the loss of Frank Gore due to injury, though they do have a ready made replacement in Glen Coffee. He'll meet a Falcons defence which has that given up 5.8 rushing yards per carry to Carolina and 168 rushing yards to New England. If Atlanta can take away the running game and it is an if, then San Francisco doesn't have that many outstanding weapons.

San Francisco will focus on shutting down Atlanta running back Michael Turner but he is having a disappointing season and San Francisco are very stout up front. The problem for the Niners is that they really don't have a great pass rusher, just a couple of decent ones. When they need to get to the quarterback, they must blitz to do so. Therefore, expect Falcons QB Matt Ryan to look downfield for his two favourite targets - WR Roddy Hill and TE Tony Gonzalez - both would be worth looking at in the TD scorer markets.

The 49ers have played great defence so far, but this is a potentially explosive offence in Atlanta. I see Matt Ryan coming off his bye week and having success throwing against the 49ers. San Francisco will counter with the run against an Atlanta run defence that has struggled. I'll take Ryan to make more plays and get the upset.

Recommendation: Take the points +2.5 Atlanta, 1pt at [2.04]

Tags: Atlanta Falcons, Glen Coffee, Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, Roddy Hill, San Francisco 49ers, Tony Gonzalez