# Falcons Beat 49ers, Jump Power Rankings

> Atlanta Falcons upset San Francisco 49ers to jump NFL power rankings.
- Title: Falcons Beat 49ers, Jump Power Rankings | Shortify
- Summary: Atlanta Falcons upset San Francisco 49ers to jump NFL power rankings. Atlanta Falcons beat unbeaten 49ers to move up NFL power rankings.
- Keywords: atlanta falcons, san francisco 49ers, nfl, power rankings, week 8, michael penix jr, kevin steffanski, jeff ulbrich, buccaneers, tampa, sports, Falcons
- Source: Atlanta Falcons On SI — https://si.com/nfl/falcons/onsi/falcons-big-winners-in-week-8-nfl-power-rankings-after-upsetting-49ers
- Published: 2026-10-27T19:40:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: atlanta falcons, san francisco 49ers, nfl, power rankings, week 8, michael penix jr, kevin steffanski, jeff ulbrich, buccaneers, tampa, sports
## Falcons start season
Atlanta Falcons began season 0-2 but look like playoff threat with Michael Penix Jr. returning.
## Falcons beat 49ers
Falcons beat unbeaten San Francisco 49ers after losing two straight games.
## Cooper Rush played
Team played Cooper Rush as emergency quarterback after signing him day training camp opened.
## Media slow to react
National media slow to get behind Falcons after big win due to past spotlight struggles.
## Defense improving
Overachieving defense getting key players back soon including James Pearce Jr. in two weeks.
## NFL Network ranking
NFL Network ranks Falcons No. 13 after moving from No. 19 to No. 13.
## Nick Shook support
Nick Shook says Falcons inspired after beating 49ers with Penix Jr. comfortable in offense.
## SI ranking jump
Sports Illustrated ranks Falcons No. 16 after jumping from No. 23 to No. 16.
## Connor Orr analysis
Connor Orr says Tommy Rees helped Penix Jr. with comfort throws against 49ers defense.
## CBS Sports ranking
CBS Sports ranks Falcons No. 19 after moving from No. 23 to No. 19.
## ESPN ranking
ESPN ranks Falcons No. 19 after small jump from No. 22 to No. 19.
## Next game
Falcons face Buccaneers in Tampa on Sunday to advance playoff agenda.
## Key takeaway

Atlanta Falcons beat unbeaten 49ers to move up NFL power rankings.