What happened: Atlanta deferred possession after winning the pregame coin toss, putting its defense on the field first against San Francisco. Cornerback A.J. Terrell Jr. returns to the lineup for the opening defensive series after being activated from injured reserve following a groin injury.

Why it matters: Kicking to open the game gives the Falcons possession to begin the second half and the chance to stack possessions around intermission. Seeking to snap a two-game skid, Atlanta bolstered its defensive front and secondary ahead of kickoff by signing defensive end Drake Jackson and clearing Terrell without an injury designation.

What to watch: Atlanta's defense takes the field for the opening series while the offense will receive the kickoff to start the third quarter.