Falcons End 49ers Undefeated Run With 29-20 Victory

Atlanta defeated San Francisco 29-20 on Sunday, October 25, 2026, handing the 49ers their first loss of the NFL season at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. The Falcons capitalized on San Francisco's extensive injury problems, with linebacker Kendal Daniels intercepting Brock Purdy late in the game to end the visitors' comeback hopes. The defeat dropped San Francisco to 6-1 after six consecutive victories.

According to the Yahoo Sports Week 7 report, the loss exposed the team's difficulties replacing injured starters, particularly at wide receiver, although the 49ers remained in a strong position in the NFC West. San Francisco entered the game without six wide receivers who were inactive or on injured reserve. Mike Evans, who had left the previous game early because of an Achilles injury, was unavailable, leaving Brandin Cooks and Jordan Watkins to start against Atlanta.

Cooks, 33, had not recorded a 1,000-yard receiving season since 2021, while Watkins had entered the game with five career receptions. Defensive end Nick Bosa also missed another game, and running back Christian McCaffrey managed a thigh injury during the contest.

The 49ers also suffered costly mistakes in the running game. Jordan James fumbled, and rookie Kaelon Black lost possession on the following play, a sequence that shifted momentum against San Francisco. Head coach Kyle Shanahan had previously guided the team through substantial injury problems last season and during its first six games this year. The report identified the team's recurring injuries, the age of several key players and limited depth behind its starters as continuing concerns.

San Francisco has a bye in Week 8, giving injured players additional recovery time before the team's next game. Elsewhere, the New York Giants defeated their opponent 27-21 after a decisive overtime sequence involving running back Cam Skattebo. Skattebo, who had been left without a carry against the Saints in Week 6 after an earlier overtime fumble, recorded 124 rushing yards and a touchdown.

Skattebo produced a 42-yard run in overtime to move New York into field-goal range. Devin Singletary then finished the game with a 30-yard touchdown run, securing the victory without requiring a field goal. Quarterback J.J.

McCarthy also delivered a strong performance after taking over as the Minnesota Vikings' starter. Against Houston, he completed 20 of 28 passes for 252 yards, strengthening his case for additional starts after replacing Jameis Winston. The Vikings earned a 16-10 victory over the Indianapolis Colts through a decisive defensive performance.

Minnesota limited Indianapolis to 218 total yards and shut out the Colts in the second half after falling behind early.

Veteran safety Harrison Smith sealed the win with his 40th career interception. On Indianapolis' final drive, quarterback Daniel Jones faced pressure and threw downfield, allowing Smith to step in front of the intended receiver and secure possession for Minnesota.

Cleveland also improved its position with a dramatic 27-24 victory over the Tennessee Titans. The Browns, coached by Todd Monken in his first NFL head-coaching job at age 60, moved to 5-2 after winning another closely contested game. After Tennessee tied the score with 58 seconds remaining, Cleveland drove into field-goal range. Kicker Andre Szmyt converted as time expired to give the Browns the victory, extending a strong start under Monken despite questions surrounding the team's quarterback situation.