Preview | Baxter's Bits | War Room Preview

	Jerry Rice might be playing his final game in a 49ers uniform Monday night.

Why to watch:
The last two meetings between these teams in Atlanta were both huge games -- one played a big role in deciding the NFC West title and the other was a second-round playoff game. This contest packs none of that intrigue, and it might just feature the two most disappointing teams in the NFL in 1999.

While the quality of football might be lacking, this matchup provides a good chance to reflect on the past. First, it could be legendary receiver Jerry Rice's final game in a 49ers uniform. Rice has caught more TD passes (25) against Atlanta than any other opponent -- in fact, it's more than any receiver has caught against one opponent. Don't be surprised if the 15-year veteran has a big night in the prime-time spotlight.

With San Francisco due for wholesale changes in the offseason, Rice probably isn't the only longtime Niner who could be playing his final game with the team. 49ers S Tim McDonald, LB Ken Norton Jr. and G Ray Brown could become salary-cap casualties in the offseason. And we haven't even mentioned QB Steve Young, who wants to return in 2000 but faces an uncertain future.

This is also the final game for Falcons S Eugene Robinson, the NFL's active leader in interceptions, who has announced his retirement. Atlanta is trying to avoid a 12th loss -- which would be the most defeats in NFL history for a team that played in the Super Bowl the previous season.

San Francisco won the first meeting 26-7 three weeks ago at 3Com Park.

Who to watch:
Niners RB Charlie Garner is questionable because of cracked ribs, but the 1,200-yard rusher says he will play. If Garner can't go, RB Fred Beasley and rookie Terry Jackson will share the load. Beasley ran for two touchdowns in the first game against Atlanta.

	MORE COVERAGE
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Niners QB Jeff Garcia has thrown 11 interceptions and nine TD passes in his first NFL season. Niners WR Terrell Owens has scored only three TDs, while fellow wideout J.J. Stokes has been a big disappointment with just 29 catches for 299 yards and two TDs. Niners DT Bryant Young, who broke his leg a little more than a year ago on Monday Night Football, has returned to lead the team with 11½ sacks and make the Pro Bowl.

RB Byron Hanspard became the first Falcon to rush for 100 yards in a game this season with his 102-yard effort in last week's 37-14 rout of Arizona. Falcons FB Bob Christian also had a big day, amassing more than 100 total yards and scoring two rushing TDs. Atlanta ran the ball 39 times last week and held it for more than 35 minutes.

Falcons QB Chris Chandler should be able to put up some numbers against the awful 49ers secondary, which allowed 471 passing yards last week against Washington and ranks dead-last in the NFL against the pass. Falcons WR Terance Mathis needs 53 yards to reach the 1,000-yard mark for the fourth time in his career.

INJURY REPORT

49ers: OUT: S Zack Bronson (foot-injured reserve); QB Steve Young (concussion). DOUBTFUL: DE Chike Okeafor (knee). QUESTIONABLE: RB Charlie Garner (ribs). PROBABLE: LB Anthony Peterson (finger); LB Lee Woodall (groin). Falcons: DOUBTFUL: DE Lester Archambeau (ankle/knee). QUESTIONABLE: WR Chris Calloway (groin); TE Brian Kozlowski (knee); T Ephraim Salaam (knee/hip); DE Chuck Smith (knee); C Robbie Tobeck (quadricep). PROBABLE: WR Eugene Baker (shoulder).

Falcons CBs Ray Buchanan and Ronnie Bradford will be tested by the San Francisco wideouts. Several Falcons defensive players could be playing their final home game, as the team figures to make some major changes in the offseason.

49ers' numbers to know:
San Francisco has managed to hold just two opponents to less than 20 points in 1999, but one of them was Atlanta. The Dirty Birds mustered only 105 total yards and one touchdown in their visit to San Francisco on Dec. 12.

Falcons' numbers to know:
Atlanta owns a minus-18 turnover differential in 1999 after leading the NFL with a plus-20 mark last season. The Falcons have recovered five opponent's fumbles this season after leading the league with 25 fumble recoveries in '98.

What it means:
Well, the winner finishes in third place in the NFC West. In other words, this one doesn't mean squat in either the playoff race or the standings.

For the many players who might be headed to either new teams or retirement, however, this game will provide the last chance to do something special for their current clubs. It also will give both organizations a final chance to evaluate their talent pool -- and see who's still playing hard -- before undertaking an offseason renovation.