The 49ers are coming off a loss in Week 6, but they still sit atop the NFC West with a 4-2 record. Sunday's game kicks off at 8:20 p.m. ET inside Levi's Stadium. San Francisco is 1-1 at home this season while Atlanta is 1-1 on the road. Something has got to give in Week 7.

After a year of criticism, Falcons CB Dee Alford is proving he belongs. He is stepping up in key moments as Atlanta’s defense becomes one of the NFL’s best.

Here’s why: The Falcons’ offense, while talented, is predictable. They do a poor job of differentiating their run and pass looks. Combine that with a young, hyper-confident quarterback in Michael Penix who loves to test tight windows on first-read throws, and you have an offense that can be fooled.

The Atlanta Falcons wrapped up their second day of practice ahead of Sunday's prime-time game against the San Francisco 49ers. Left tackle Jake Matthews did not participate on Thursday due to an ankle injury he suffered during the team's Week 6 win over the Buffalo Bills. Matthews was one of five players held out.

Wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud will not be playing for the Falcons this weekend and it's unclear if he's going to be playing for them at any point in the future.

Atlanta Falcons receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III will miss his second consecutive game after coach Raheem Morris “sent him home.”

The Falcons listed five players, including left tackle Jake Matthews, edge Jalon Walker and cornerback Billy Bowman Jr., as out on their estimated report. Wide receiver Darnell Mooney and tight end Feleipe Franks were listed as a limited participants on Wednesday.

Trying to tackle Bijan Robinson is an inconvenience for any team. But when the San Francisco 49ers attempt to do so Sunday, it may qualify as cruel and unusual punishment.