When Kyle Shanahan, head coach of San Francisco 49ers guided his squad to an overtime triumph at Levi Stadium, Santa Clara, the drama unfolded on Monday, Oct. 20, 2025, at 3:43 p.m. UTC. Across the field, Raheem Morris, the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons watched his team battle back, only to see the clock run out in the extra period.
The overtime finish was powered by Christian McCaffrey, the 49ers' 29‑year‑old running back, who ripped a 22‑yard touchdown run that sealed the win. Mac Jones managed the aerial attack, while the Falcons leaned on rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. and dynamic back Bijan Robinson to keep the game alive. Fans who missed the live television broadcast could still follow the action thanks to a surprising array of free streaming choices.
Game Recap: How the Overtime Drama Unfolded
The first half was a defensive slog. The 49ers kept the Falcons to a single field‑goal, while their own offense struggled to find rhythm, ending the half trailing 7‑3. In the third quarter, George Kittle, the veteran tight end, stretched the field with a 15‑yard catch that set up a short TD run by McCaffrey, putting San Francisco ahead 14‑3.
The Falcons answered back late in the fourth quarter. Penix Jr. connected with Robinson on a 31‑yard strike, followed by a two‑point conversion that narrowed the gap to 14‑12. With 1:12 left, the 49ers forced a punt, but a penalty gave the Falcons another chance. They drove to the 49ers' 35‑yard line, only for the clock to expire as the play clock ran out, sending the match into overtime.
Overtime was a quick affair. The 49ers won the coin toss, elected to receive, and after a couple of short runs, McCaffrey broke free for the game‑winning run. The final score: 21‑12, 49ers.
Where to Watch: Free Streaming Options
If you were scrambling for a way to watch the game without a cable subscription, you had a few solid routes:
- Chat Sports’ “Falcons Today” YouTube channel – live play‑by‑play commentary, an embedded scoreboard, and occasional fan polls. The description even advertised a HelloFresh promo (code FALCONSCHAT10FM) promising ten free meals and a lifetime free item.
- 95.7 The Game (KNBR‑FM) – a sports radio station owned by Audacy, Inc.. Their audio feed was simulcast on YouTube and streamed through the Audacy app, as well as on Twitch, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
- Official team sites – 49ers.com posted a “Top Plays” reel minutes after kickoff, while the Falcons’ studio page hosted a highlight reel on the same day.
The common thread? All three were free, legally accessible, and required nothing more than a browser or the Audacy mobile app. The only catch was that the YouTube streams occasionally lagged a few seconds behind the radio feed – a small price to pay for a zero‑cost viewing experience.
Key Player Performances
Stat sheets tell a story of dominance by the 49ers’ backfield. McCaffrey finished with 158 rushing yards, three receptions for 42 yards, and the decisive touchdown. Jones added 212 passing yards, completing 18 of 27 attempts, but threw two interceptions that kept the Falcons within striking distance.
On the other side, Penix Jr. posted a respectable 215 passing yards, completing 22 of 31 throws, and he found Robinson twice for a combined 68 yards. Robinson also contributed 54 rushing yards on 11 carries. Despite these numbers, the Falcons could not convert their yardage into points when it mattered most.
Reactions from Coaches and Media
After the game, Kyle Shanahan praised his offense’s patience, saying, “We stuck to the game plan, trusted the kids, and waited for the moment. Christian made the most of that moment.”
Conversely, Raheem Morris emphasized the need for “cleaner execution in the red zone.” The press conference was streamed live on the Falcons Today channel, and several analysts on ESPN (1 ESPN Drive, Bristol, CT) called the loss a “missed opportunity for a momentum shift.”
What This Win Means for the Playoff Race
At 4‑3, the 49ers vaulted into a tie for second place in the NFC West, sitting just a half‑game behind the division leader. The overtime victory not only added a crucial win column but also improved their point differential, a tiebreaker that could decide playoff seeding if the teams finish level on record.
For Atlanta, the loss dropped them to 3‑4, widening the gap with the division’s top spot. The Falcons still have a path to the postseason, but they’ll need to tighten up both pass protection and red‑zone efficiency in the weeks ahead.
How to Stay Updated on Future Free Streams
Both Chat Sports and 95.7 The Game have sign‑up prompts for email alerts. Subscribing guarantees you’ll get a heads‑up before each Thursday night and Sunday afternoon game, with the same free‑stream links highlighted.
In short, whether you’re a die‑hard 49ers fan counting on McCaffrey’s explosiveness, or a casual Falcons supporter hoping for a bounce‑back, the internet offered reliable, cost‑free ways to catch the action on Oct. 20. Keep an eye on the team’s social feeds, the Audacy app, and the “Falcons Today” YouTube channel – that’s where the next free stream will likely appear.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I watch the Falcons vs. 49ers game without a cable subscription?
You can stream the live coverage for free on Chat Sports’ “Falcons Today” YouTube channel or listen to the audio feed on 95.7 The Game (KNBR‑FM) via the Audacy app, Twitch, or the station’s website. All options are legal and require only an internet connection.
What were the pivotal moments that led to the 49ers’ overtime win?
Key moments included George Kittle’s 15‑yard reception that set up a McCaffrey touchdown in the third quarter, the Falcons’ missed field‑goal attempt at the end of regulation, and McCaffrey’s 22‑yard run on the first overtime drive, which sealed the 21‑12 victory.
Did any player receive special recognition for their performance?
Christian McCaffrey was named the game’s offensive MVP by both the 49ers’ media team and the local broadcasters, thanks to his 158 rushing yards and the decisive overtime touchdown.
How does this result affect the NFC West playoff picture?
The win pushed San Francisco to a 4‑3 record, tying them for second place in the NFC West and narrowing the gap to the division leader to half a game. Atlanta fell to 3‑4, making its path to the playoffs steeper.
Will the free streaming options be available for future games?
Both Chat Sports and 95.7 The Game have pledged to continue offering free live streams for upcoming NFL matchups. Subscribing to their newsletters or following their social media accounts ensures you receive alerts ahead of each game.
