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The Atlanta Falcons secured a big win on Monday night, defeating the Buffalo Bills to improve to 3-2. Now, they face a key NFC matchup. On Sunday night, the Falcons will travel to face the San Francisco 49ers on “Sunday Night Football,” as both teams jockey for playoff positioning.
Led by Michael Penix, Bijan Robinson, and a stout defense, the Falcons are aiming for their first playoff appearance since 2017. Robinson leads the league in yards from scrimmage with 822 and is firmly in the conversation as the league’s top running back.
Penix, in his second year, has been inconsistent, totaling just four touchdowns and 1,168 passing yards through five games. The former University of Washington star remains an X-factor who could determine how far the Falcons go this season.
Meanwhile, the 49ers are hosting Atlanta while dealing with a large number of injuries this season. San Francisco has missed key players like Brock Purdy, George Kittle, Nick Bosa, and now Fred Warner but has still won four of its first six games.
Kittle is close to returning and could play in this game, while Purdy is also recovering from a toe injury. If Purdy cannot play, Mac Jones, who has been dealing with injuries of his own, is likely to start.
The winner of this matchup will gain a key advantage in the NFC standings, while the loser will miss a significant opportunity.
The Sporting News is tracking live scores, updates, and highlights from the “Sunday Night Football” matchup between the Falcons and 49ers. Follow along for updates.
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49ers vs. Falcons live updates, highlights from ‘Sunday Night Football’
8:28 p.m.: The 49ers follow suit on their first third down, as Mac Jones completes to Christian McCaffrey, but McCaffrey is able to pick up the first down for San Francisco.
8:26 p.m.: On third down, Michael Penix finds Bijan Robinson, but Robinson is just short of the first down. Atlanta has to punt.
8:23 p.m.: We are underway from San Francisco! The Falcons will get the ball first.
8:11 p.m.: Michael Penix continues his sophomore season with another primetime showcase.
Time to shine, 9️⃣ pic.twitter.com/wJOEnNQted
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) October 19, 2025
7:41 p.m.: George Kittle is back for the 49ers for the first time since Week 1 after dealing with a hamstring injury.
There he is 🔥 pic.twitter.com/51Kd7DPPUO
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) October 19, 2025
7:21 p.m.: For the Falcons, there are no unexpected inactives.
Full list of tonight’s inactives
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) October 19, 2025
7:01 p.m.: Brock Purdy will miss the game, meaning Mac Jones gets another start. Ricky Pearsall is also inactive for the 49ers.
Brock Purdy and Ricky Pearsall are out for Week 7.
Full @DignityHealth inactives list: https://t.co/gW89J7FpHe pic.twitter.com/49plkEaBWt
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) October 19, 2025
6:51 p.m.: Bijan Robinson arrives to the stadium looking to build on his already-impressive season.
Pullin’ up to prime time
😤 @Bijan5Robinson pic.twitter.com/ViSQMKMiuo
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) October 19, 2025Where to watch 49ers vs. Falcons49ers vs. Falcons start timeDate: October 19Time: 8:20 p.m. ET
The Sunday night matchup between the Falcons and 49ers will begin at 8:20 p.m. ET, which is 5:20 p.m. local time in San Francisco.
What channel is 49ers vs. Falcons on today?TV Channel: NBCLive stream: Peacock, Fubo
NBC will have the broadcast of Falcons vs. 49ers on Sunday night as Mike Tirico and Cris Collinsworth on the call. Viewers looking for a live streaming option can use Peacock or Fubo, the latter offers a free trial for new users.
Falcons schedule 2025DateOpponentTime (ET)TV Channel10/19@ 49ers8:20 p.m.NBC10/26vs. Dolphins1:00 p.m.CBS11/2@ Patriots1:00 p.m.CBS11/9vs. Colts9:30 a.m.NFL Network11/16vs. Panthers1:00 p.m.Fox11/23@ Saints4:25 p.m.Fox11/30@ Jets1:00 p.m.Fox12/7vs. Seahawks1:00 p.m.Fox12/11@ Buccaneers8:15 p.m.Prime Video12/21@ Cardinals4:05 p.m.Fox12/29vs. Rams8:15 p.m.ESPNTBDvs. SaintsTBDTBD49ers schedule 2025DateOpponentTimeTV Channel10/19vs. Falcons8:20 p.m.NBC10/26@ Texans1:00 p.m.Fox11/2@ Giants1:00 p.m.CBS11/9vs. Rams4:25 p.m.Fox11/16@ Cardinals4:05 p.m.Fox11/24vs. Panthers8:15 p.m.ESPN11/30@ Browns1:00 p.m.CBS12/14vs. Titans4:25 p.m.Fox12/22@ Colts8:15 p.m.ESPN12/28vs. Bears8:20 p.m.NBCTBDvs. SeahawksTBDTBD