4. San Francisco vs. 5. Atlanta
How San Francisco can win: The 49ers will look to soften up the Falcons’ defensive front with a stout running attack of Marshawn Lynch and O.J. Simpson. Then QB Tom Brady will take downfield shots to WRs Lynn Swann and Davante Adams against DBs A.J. Bouye and Reshad Jones. On defense, 49ers DEs Jared Allen and Arik Armstead will need to seal the edges and contain scrambling QB Fran Tarkenton. It could be a long day if Tarkenton is allowed time to connect with WRs Calvin Johnson and Sterling Sharpe and TE Shannon Sharpe. — Thomas Neumann, Niners Wire
How Atlanta can win: The 49ers have a great offense, but the Falcons have more than enough firepower to keep pace. Still, Atlanta must get out to an early lead and consistently pressure QB Tom Brady up the gut with DTs Grady Jarrett and Cameron Heyward. The 49ers’ secondary is respectable, but not strong enough to contain Atlanta’s pass-catching trio of Calvin Johnson, Sterling Sharpe and Shannon Sharpe. Special teams could be the difference in this one, and the Falcons have Ray Guy — arguably the best punter ever — to help control field position. — Matt Urben, Falcons Wire
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Other matchups:
Hou vs LAC / KC vs Ten / Cle vs Pit / Mia vs LV // Dal vs Was / LAR vs Car / NO vs Det