What happened: Michael Penix Jr., who returned to the lineup in September following an injury absence, found an offensive rhythm on Atlanta's opening possession of the third quarter against San Francisco. The Falcons closed the first half with an incomplete pass with six seconds remaining before Nick Folk converted a 33-yard field goal with two seconds left on the clock.

Why it matters: Sustained second-half drives are critical for an Atlanta roster trying to halt a two-game skid amid a lengthy injury report. The Falcons bolstered their defense ahead of kickoff by activating 2020 first-round cornerback A.J. Terrell Jr. from injured reserve following a groin injury and signing defensive end Drake Jackson, while placing offensive lineman Michael Jerrell on injured reserve.

What to watch: Atlanta looks to erase the two-point deficit over the final two quarters against a San Francisco squad that activated wide receiver Christian Kirk from injured reserve for the matchup.