Christian McCaffrey has been keeping the San Francisco 49ers competitive during a nasty rash of injuries over the past few weeks.
While San Francisco is aiming to return other offensive weapons when the Niners host the Atlanta Falcons in Week 7, McCaffrey’s work isn’t letting up.
I expect “Run CMC” to do just that — run — with my Falcons vs. 49ers predictions and NFL picks for Sunday Night Football.
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Falcons vs 49ers prediction
Falcons vs 49ers Best bet: Christian McCaffrey Over 61.5 rushing yards (-114)
Christian McCaffrey has been a one-man playbook in the past weeks, not only chewing up gains on the ground but becoming the top target in a passing game missing a laundry list of receivers.
The San Francisco 49ers are slowly getting those pieces of the passing attack back, which sees McCaffrey’s targets tick down. That slides his priority back to the rushing game for this primetime outing in Week 7.
The Niners are hoping WR Ricky Pearsall can play and are expecting tight end George Kittle to suit up for the first time since Week 1. Kittle doesn’t just make Kyle Shanahan’s playbook more dynamic; he’s also among the better run-blocking tight ends in the NFL and loves to spring McCaffrey for big runs.
Those big plays have been missing for CMC this season, with his rushing yards topping out at 49, 54, and 57 yards the past three weeks – all finishing below the totals for his rushing yardage props.
McCaffrey’s rushing output has not only been tempered by an increased involvement in the passing game but also by the competition. San Francisco has run into three strong defensive foes the past three games, with the L.A. Rams, Jacksonville, and Tampa Bay among the stingiest run-stopping units in the land.
Atlanta doesn’t pose as much pushback on the ground on Sunday night.
The Falcons are 20th in EPA allowed per handoff and sit No. 19 in run defense rating at PFF, allowing an average of 4.8 yards per carry – 5.1 over the past three games. Buffalo RB James Cook just totaled 87 yards on 17 attempts versus Atlanta on MNF and could have had more if the Bills weren’t forced to pass while playing from behind.
Running the ball with McCaffrey doesn’t just poke the Falcons’ soft spot but also tames the Atlanta Falcons pass rush, which was very disruptive against the Bills. The Falcons scored four sacks on Josh Allen on Monday and enter Week 7 with the highest blitz rate in the league.
Rushing projections for McCaffrey are all trending at 70 yards or more, with a ceiling of 77 yards on the ground on Sunday Night Football.
Falcons vs 49ers SNF same-game parlay
McCaffrey gets back to running the ball, and projections have him going for more than 70 yards Sunday night.
The Niners are getting more and more weapons back on offense. I like them to finally crack 23 points in regulation for the first time since Week 2.
Kittle’s comeback features a touchdown catch with Mac Jones relying on his tight end on the red zone.
Falcons vs 49ers SGP
- Christian McCaffrey Over 61.5 rushing yards
- San Francisco team total Over 23.5
- George Kittle anytime touchdown
Our big-ticket SGP: Cagey Kittle!
Run CMC sees fewer passes and more runs against Atlanta.
The Niners are almost at full strength on offense.
Kittle is a big target inside the red zone.
Allgeier is getting touches and stacking touchdowns.
Falcons vs 49ers SGP
- Christian McCaffrey Over 61.5 rushing yards
- San Francisco team total Over 23.5
- George Kittle anytime touchdown
- Tyler Allgeier anytime touchdown
Falcons vs 49ers odds
- Spread: Atlanta +3 (-105) | San Francisco -3 (-115)
- Moneyline: Atlanta +150 | San Francisco -180
- Over/Under: Over 44.5 (-110) | Under 44.5 (-110)
Falcons vs 49ers betting trend to know
Since 2020, San Francisco is just 3-7 ATS in home games with a spread of a field goal or shorter (-3 to +3). Find more NFL betting trends for Falcons vs. 49ers.
How to watch Falcons vs 49ers
| Location | Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara, CA |
| Date | Sunday, October 19, 2025 |
| Kickoff | 8:20 p.m. ET |
| TV | NBC |
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