Atlanta Falcons handed the San Francisco 49ers their first loss of the 2026 season on October 25, 2026, prevailing 29-20 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Rookie linebacker Kendal Daniels sealed the upset with a late fourth-quarter interception, snapping San Francisco’s undefeated run and dropping the team to 6-1 before their bye week.
Atlanta Falcons Defense Forces Four Turnovers to Overpower San Francisco
The San Francisco 49ers arrived in Atlanta carrying a pristine 6-0 record, but a flurry of self-inflicted mistakes unraveled their afternoon. Atlanta capitalized on four turnovers to hand the 49ers a 29-20 defeat at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Atlanta coach Kevin Stefanski watched his squad rally after falling behind an early 14-3 deficit. The Falcons scored 23 unanswered points during the middle stanzas, fueled by opportunistic defense and steady play from quarterback Michael Penix Jr.
CMC went flying in for 6SFvsATL on FOX/FOX OneStream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/V37bqniakV
Penix threw scoring passes to Nick Muse, Kyle Pitts, and Drake London as the Falcons earned their first home victory of the season and snapped a two-game skid.
Injuries Mount as Christian McCaffrey and Replacements Struggle
San Francisco played through a severe talent deficit as a lengthy injury report finally caught up to the roster. Star running back Christian McCaffrey managed a touchdown on an opening-drive, fourth-and-goal leap into the end zone, but he departed during the first half due to a thigh injury.
dad's scoring TDs 🫶SFvsATL on FOX/FOX OneStream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/CT7Qk8k8sV
McCaffrey finished with 39 rushing yards on seven carries and added six receptions for 61 yards after returning for second-half duty, describing his physical state bluntly to reporters after the final whistle.
My leg just died on me and I tried to get it going for the whole rest of the game. It sucks trying to play that way. I know I’ll be alright but it’s really frustrating.
Christian McCaffrey, San Francisco 49ers running back
With McCaffrey sidelined early, third-string running back Jordan James fumbled, and rookie Kaelon Black fumbled on the very next play to shift the game’s momentum. Black did contribute a 30-yard rushing touchdown—his first career score—and finished with 63 yards on 12 carries, but the ground game could not offset a depleted receiving corps missing Mike Evans.
TIGHT ENDS ALL OVER THE LEAGUE ARE SCORING TOUCHDOWNS!SFvsATL on FOX/FOX OneStream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/nZHsTQl8n2
Brock Purdy and the 49ers Offense Stumble Late
Brock Purdy fought through pressure all afternoon, finishing 27 of 40 for 288 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. The San Francisco defense had pulled the visitors within six points at 26-20, but kicker Eddy Piñero missed his fourth extra point of the season.
After the defense forced an Atlanta three-and-out, the 49ers drove to the Falcons’ 47-yard line with under three minutes left. A false-start penalty on Brandin Cooks pushed them back, and Purdy tried to force a third-and-9 throw downfield.
Rookie linebacker Kendal Daniels dropped into coverage from the backside, tipped the ball to himself, and hauled in the game-sealing interception with 2 1/2 minutes remaining. Purdy recounted the critical turnover in the locker room.
All of a sudden I threw the ball, (Daniels) came from the backside, tipped it up to himself. I didn’t see him or anything. Credit to him, he made a good play.
Brock Purdy, San Francisco 49ers quarterback
Atlanta converted the turnover into a 31-yard field goal by Nick Folk to extend the lead to nine points. George Kittle caught a pass on the final possession and surged downfield before safety Jessie Bates punched the ball loose, and Daniels fell on the fumble to seal the outcome.
The @AtlantaFalcons knock it loose and recover the fumble!SFvsATL on FOX/FOX OneStream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/C3zeCBsfh8
Niners Enter Bye Week Looking to Reset
The loss drops San Francisco to 6-1 as the team heads into an idle week to nurse its extensive injuries. Kittle led the offense with eight catches for 89 yards.
The 49ers will return to action after their bye week, using the upcoming rest period to regroup after their first setback of the 2026 campaign.
Welcome to the National Tight Ends Day touchdown party, @kylepitts__ SFvsATL on FOX/FOX OneStream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/xisNvvBH2q
More on Atlanta Falcons
This interception by Jessie Bates III is UNREAL. SFvsATL on FOX/FOX OneStream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/R4UDkkfGcb
DRAKE LONDON FOR THE FALCONS!The 49ers look set to lose their first game of the season in Atlanta 👀Watch 49ers v Falcons on Sky Sports 📺 pic.twitter.com/ydDLgoCrRB
@AtlantaFalcons rookie Kendal Daniels gets his first career interception in the clutch SFvsATL on FOX/FOX OneStream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/9BtAUNZQLm
The rookie Kendal Daniels makes the play again!@AtlantaFalcons force the fumble and recover it to seal the win over San Francisco pic.twitter.com/9o2xsWnT2e
Michael Penix vs undefeated 49ers25/34213 Pass Yards3 Pass TD118.9 Pass RatingCERTIFIED BALLER pic.twitter.com/l5vKT2svvH
The Falcons upset the 49ers 29-20. The two remaining undefeated teams are the Vikings (6-0) and Chiefs (5-0).
49ers lost a game here in Atlanta 2 years ago that shared some similarities with this one. Fumble-6 for the Falcons, multiple giveaways from SF, shoddy defense (missing Bosa that time, too) led to no pressure/too many easy Atlanta throws.SF traded for CMC a few days later, got…
Wild to see how little pressure the 49ers’ pass rush managed (3 pressures on 34 drop backs) despite holding Atlanta to 2.8 per carry.Falcons just had way too easy of a time with their short passing game