Atlanta Falcons: Top 5 Rivalries Entering 2015
By John Buhler
42. . . Previous: . San Francisco 49ers. 3. team
The San Francisco 49ers are a former divisional rival of the Atlanta Falcons. San Francisco used to own the NFC West when Atlanta was a part of it before 2002’s realignment. Even in their rarer matchups, the Niners still treat the Atlanta Falcons like their little brother.
Atlanta is still looking for its first Lombardi Trophy while the 49ers embark on their sixth. Both teams will meet again this season as both the Atlanta Falcons and the San Francisco 49ers finished third in their respective divisions last fall.
More from Atlanta Falcons
- Atlanta Falcons Yet Again Making a Terrible Move Signing Matt Schaub
- Atlanta Falcons Must Make This Off-Season Move
- Dan Quinn’s Press Conference Was Filled With Notable Moments. Here’s Some Highlights.
- Atlanta Falcons Re-Sign Kicker Younghoe Koo In Solid Move
- Atlanta Falcons: Is Devonta Freeman’s Time With Falcons Over?
Two of the most painful losses in recent history have come against the San Francisco 49ers. Atlanta lost on a pick six on December 23, 2013 when the Niners closed out their final regular season game at Candlestick Park. Then of course, there was the 2012 NFC Championship.
The Atlanta Falcons were up 17 points going into halftime at home against the San Francisco 49ers. Atlanta blew a 17 point lead in the second half and were just 10 yards short of making back to the Super Bowl for the second time in franchise history. Could we have beaten the Baltimore Ravens that year? I don’t know but the Atlanta Falcons under Mike Smith never recovered after than excruciatingly painful loss at home.
I hope that Atlanta can avenge their last two games against the San Francisco 49ers by giving new HC Jim Tomsula all he can handle when the Dirty Birds make their first visit to Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, CA last this season.
Next: The I-85 Drive