Atlanta Falcons vs. San Francisco 49ers odds: NFL Week 6 point spread, money line, point totals

The Falcons were able to comeback against the Buccaneers. They didn’t win, but they covered, and that’s the sort of stuff gambling is all about. Atlanta is certainly less talented than San Fran, but they’re still a scrappy bunch. On paper, the 49ers have the advantage.

Atlanta is clearly a run-centric offense — sixth in yards per rush, fourth in rushing attempts per game, and third in rushing yards per game. Unfortunately, the 49ers’ defense is best at stopping the run. San Francisco is first in opponent yards per rush and second in opponent rushing yards per game.

The Falcons have been heavy underdogs in several games this year. Against the Rams and Bucs, I was very confident that Atlanta could cover. Unfortunately, I’m not as confident this week. The Falcons need more out of the passing facet of the offense and Marcus Mariota.

However, the Falcons have one thing working in their favor — injuries. Kyle Pitts sat out last week, and they’ll undoubtedly be without Cordarrelle Patterson. Still, no team has been hampered by injuries more than their Week 6 opponent.

Against Carolina, the 49ers had six players ruled out, and then another slew of players went down during the game. Jeff Wilson and Deommodore Lenoir went down but eventually returned to the game. However, Nick Bosa, Jimmie Ward, Emmanuel Moseley, and Robbie Gould all suffered somewhat significant injuries. Bosa is the name to watch here. He’s one of the best defenders in the league, and San Fran will already be without Arik Armstead this week.

If the Falcons are to cover, they’ll have to get a little lucky in the injury department — both ways. Pitts must go because we saw how pedestrian the Falcons’ offense was without him, and several of San Fran’s starters will have to be out. The line has moved down a whole point, which concerns me. I’d wait to bet this at the end of the week and see where the line moves. If the public bets it up to a touchdown for some reason, I’d jump all over the Falcons. As it stands right now, I think the under is the play.

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Photographer: Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire