Beasley sees a ray of hope.

Byline: Dennis Georgatos

ATLANTA _ Fred Beasley scored three touchdowns Sunday, the first 49ers running back in six years to do so. But all he wanted to talk about was the team.

"Don't count these 49ers out just yet," Beasley said after a 36-28 loss at Atlanta. "Our `97 team lost its opening game, too, and then won 13 or 14 in a row."

Actually, it was 11, and that team hosted the NFC championship. Beasley predicted this edition will reach the playoffs after last season's 4-12 finish.

"We've got some guys who can play. I've got confidence in my teammates. I've got confidence in my defense," Beasley said.

Beasley caught two 4-yard touchdowns passes from Jeff Garcia and ran 1 yard for another score. Ricky Watters was the last …