By Max Miller — Reporter
The San Francisco 49ers schedule has been released along with the rest of the NFL. With the draft in the books and the schedule out, it is time for the sports world to speculate on the season.
Week 1: 49ers v. Cardinals
The reigning NFC Champs start their season off at home against a division rival. The Niners will deal with the re-tooled offense with the likes of newly acquired DeAndre Hopkins. Nick Bosa and the defense will have to contain Kyler Murray in order to give them the best chance to win the game.
Prediction: 49ers win 24-10
Week 2: 49ers @ Jets
This matchup is a heartwarming one due to the Jets recent acquisition of Frank Gore. Gore rejoins head coach Adam Gase in a timeshare with star Le’Veon Bell. On paper, this game is a “should win” for the Bay.
Prediction: 49ers win 35-7
Week 3: 49ers @ Giants
Without much travel, the NFC champs should be well-rested and ready to take on the G-men. The Giants and Daniel Jones are a building team, but with their star running back Saquon Barkley in the backfield anything can happen.
Prediction: 49ers win 42-18
Week 4: 49ers v. Eagles SNF
After two weeks on the road, the Niners come home to face a tough NFC rival. A similar theme presents itself for the first part of the season. If they do their job they will win. With this being their first primetime game of the season the Niners will want to prove to the nation that they are here to stay.
Prediction: 49ers win 17-13
Week 5: 49ers v. Dolphins:
The young Miami team might surprise NFL fans at the start of the season. With Tua running the show the exciting rookie will want to take this top matchup to show the world who he is. Richard Sherman will look to prove a point to the young QB.
Prediction: 49ers win 21-7
Week 6: 49ers v. Rams SNF
The new-look Rams will look to show the world in primetime that they are still a force in the league. The Niners will have to contain Aaron Donald in order to succeed. And don’t forget, former San Jose State QB Josh Love signed with the Rams as an undrafted free agent.
Prediction: Rams win 17-14
Week 7: 49ers @ Patriots
Well, this will be the first chance for Niners fans to see the Pats without golden boy Tom Brady. Until we get into the season, this game is a total toss-up. The Pats will have their usual stubborn defense and in order for the 49ers to win they need to bring their A-game.
Prediction: Pats win 10-7
Week 8: 49ers @ Seahawks
By far this game is the biggest test of the season. Regardless of the record at this point, this will be either a statement game or a turning point game. This rivalry game will be one of the best games of the season. Richard Sherman returns to the place he made a name for himself. The Seahawks defense has not been the same since he joined the 49ers.
Prediction: 49ers win 24-21
Week 9: 49ers v. Packers TNF
On a week of short rest, the NFC champs will take on Aaron Rodgers. This could be a huge trap game due to the matchup the week before. With a questionable draft class this season, the Packers are looking to prove that they are still a relevant team.
Prediction: Packers win 28-10
Week 10 49ers @ Saints
Last season, this was probably the matchup of the year. A high scoring affair with Jimmy G on one side and Drew Brees leading the way for his team, made for two great offensive drives, and two must-watch teams. Yet again, this game stacks up to be another great one.
Prediction: Saints win 42-38
Week 11: bye
A much-needed bye week after arguably the toughest five weeks of the season. The Niners have the hardest schedule in all of the NFC. Their opponents had a combined .527 winning percentage in 2019
Week 12: 49ers @ Rams
The Niners come off their bye for another tough game against the Rams. At this point in the year, the NFL will know who is a contender and who is a pretender. This late into the season, do we get to see Josh Love?
Prediction: 49ers win 28-18
Week 13: 49ers v. Bills MNF
This game has the possibility to be one of the best games of the entire season. The Bills will look to prove that last year’s playoff berth wasn’t a fluke. Monday night against the Niners will be the perfect time to show this AFC East team what it takes to be a contender.
Prediction: 49ers win 10-7
Week 14: 49ers v. Redskins
This is a true trap game, but the defense that head coach Kyle Shanahan brings will give the Niners the best shot to win. This game could be the much-needed confidence booster that is needed to finish the season strong.
Prediction: 49ers win 14-3
Week 15: 49ers @ Cowboys
“Feed Zeke” will be the theme for the Cowboys because Richard Sherman and the secondary will shut down the passing game. The Cowboys had a surprising first-round draft pick and now have three stellar wideouts.
Prediction: 49ers win 28-10
Week 16: 49ers @ Cardinals
A return to the Week One matchup will provide a great late-season division game. With the playoffs looming, the Niners can’t overlook their division rival.
Prediction: Cardinals win 14-6
Week 17: 49ers v. Seahawks
Eleven weeks prior was arguably the biggest matchup of the entire season, and given each team’s record, this could be even bigger. Just like last season this game probably will decide the division. This game has a 1:25 p.m. start, but a betting man would guess that it would be flexed to the Sunday night game.
Prediction: 49ers win 24-21
Season results:
Record: 11-5
Although an 11-5 record is nothing to scoff at the Niners schedule is much harder than it was last season. Weeks 6-10 will be the toughest stretch of the season. After their bye week, the NFC champs need to show that they are well-rested and capitalize on the following two games.
Follow Max on Twitter @SJSUMaxMiller
