The Falcons beat the 49ers 29-20 in Atlanta on Sunday, ending San Francisco's unbeaten run. Atlanta came back from an early deficit, dropping the 49ers to 6-1 and moving to 3-4.
As of Oct. 28, 2026, 9:47 AM PT. Facts checked against the sources listed below.
Penix, with time
The story out of Atlanta is pass protection. Per AP, the Falcons allowed no sacks and no quarterback hurries against San Francisco. With a clean pocket, Michael Penix Jr. was efficient: 25 of 34 for 213 yards, three touchdowns, no interceptions and a 118.9 passer rating, according to the 49ers' official box score and NFL.com.
His touchdown passes went to Nick Muse, Kyle Pitts and Drake London. London led Atlanta with seven catches for 66 yards. Bijan Robinson had 63 rushing yards on 20 carries and another 59 receiving.
Atlanta is 3-2 in games Penix has started, per AP.
How San Francisco lost it
The 49ers actually outgained Atlanta 400 to 295, per the official box score. Turnovers and finishing drives were the difference. Brock Purdy went 27 of 40 for 288 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions, and NFL.com's Power Rankings pointed to a rare Purdy mistake that the Falcons turned into a touchdown drive.
San Francisco led 14-3 early behind short touchdown runs from Christian McCaffrey and Kaelon Black, then got outscored the rest of the way. George Kittle had eight catches for 88 yards.
Context
NFL.com noted the 49ers have been "crushed by injuries" and were winning despite it. The loss leads straight into a bye, which is about the best timing they could ask for. They also traded for DeForest Buckner on Tuesday and expect Nick Bosa back after the break.
For Atlanta, this is a season-changing kind of win if Penix keeps playing like this. The Falcons visit Tampa Bay on Sunday.
Bottom line: the 49ers are still 6-1 and still dangerous. The Falcons just showed the blueprint: protect the quarterback, take the ball away, and make San Francisco's short-handed offense finish drives.
Related: Vikings are now the last unbeaten team · DeForest Buckner heads back to the 49ers
