The San Francisco 49ers and Atlanta Falcons will attempt to end the 1999 season on a winning note when they clash in the last game of the regular season tonight at the Georgia Dome, site of Super Bowl XXXIV.

The clubs meet again just three weeks after playing in San Francisco in Week 14 – a 26-7 49ers victory.

"We just played them and it was probably the worst we have been beaten this year," says Falcons head coach DAN REEVES. "Hopefully that is a motivating factor for our football team."

In the Week 14 game, 49ers running back CHARLIE GARNER rushed for 107 yards, including an eight-yard touchdown, and caught five passes for 62 yards. Garner ranks second in the NFC with a career-high 1,735 yards from scrimmage.

"The key to their offense has been Garner," says Reeves. "He has done an outstanding job running the football and has had some great games. I know when he was at Philadelphia and I was at New York, he had some great games. He was averaging about six yards a carry, but didn’t play a lot because RICKY WATTERS was in their backfield too. But when he was in there, he was a dangerous guy. I think he has had a really great year."

Another "dangerous guy" for the 49ers of late has been quarterback JEFF GARCIA. In his last four games, Garcia has completed 95 of 148 passes (64.2 percent) for 1,068 yards, six touchdowns and three interceptions for a 90.7 passer rating.

"I think Garcia has done a tremendous job for them," says Reeves. "He is very active. He throws the ball extremely well, but he also gives them an ability to scramble and make plays."

For Garcia, as it is for many players, the final game of 1999 is also an audition for 2000.

"I think in playing the way I have over the past four weeks, I've somewhat made a statement as to being a quarterback who can play in this system and excel in this system," says Garcia.

49ers head coach STEVE MARIUCCI likes Garcia’s contribution this year.

"I'd love to have him on this football team next year," says Mariucci. "If he's the best guy we have, then he'll be our starter (next season)."

For the Falcons, fullback BOB CHRISTIAN has been a recent star. Christian is averaging 4.7 yards per carry with five touchdowns this season, and ranks second on the club with 39 catches for 347 yards (an 8.9-yard average) and two receiving TDs. His seven total touchdowns lead the team.

Last week against Arizona, Christian had a 33-yard TD run, the longest of his career and the longest by a Falcon in 1999, and a 38-yard reception, also a career best.

"I don’t know that anybody (around the league) is more valuable at that position than he is for us," says Reeves.

Monday Night Football is considered a showcase for all players, none more so through the years than for 49ers wide receiver JERRY RICE, the series’ all-time touchdown (32) and receptions (205) leader.

The 15-year veteran still enjoys the game.

"Basically, I'm having a good time out there," says Rice. "I'm going to do everything possible to show I can do the job. I just want to continue what I'm doing and help turn this team around."

Asked if he had any memories of Rice, Reeves replied, "Not any good ones.

"He has just been a great player," says Reeves. "I coached against them in the Super Bowl and he had a great game in New Orleans (XXIV). I don’t know that I’ve ever seen him when he didn’t play well. He is a guy you have to reckon with all the time. You still do. He still has the ability to make big plays. He is a force to be reckoned with. No question about it."