The San Francisco 49ers suffered through a disappointing 2015 campaign that saw them win just five games, causing them to hire Chip Kelly to be their new head coach. San Francisco is expected to go through another rebuilding year this season, but they could take a big step forward under Kelly. Here's a game-by-game prediction of the 49ers schedule this year:
Week 1 - vs Los Angeles Rams
Prediction: WIN (1-0)
This is going to be the big debut for the LA Rams, but the 49ers surprisingly won their Monday night home opener last year. I expect them to do the same this year.
Week 2 - at Carolina Panthers
Prediction: LOSS (1-1)
San Francisco simply doesn't have the talent to compete with a team on Carolina's level.
Week 3 - at Seattle Seahawks
Prediction: LOSS (1-2)
The 49ers will be competitive in this rivalry game, but they're simply not winning in Seattle.
Week 4 - vs Dallas Cowboys
Prediction: LOSS (1-3)
Dallas will be a Super Bowl contender now that they're healthy, and they should roll over the 49ers even though it's in San Francisco.
Week 5 - vs Arizona Cardinals
Prediction: LOSS (1-4)
The Cardinals will be competing for the NFC West crown again, and Arizona simply doesn't have the kind of firepower to keep up with Arizona's offense.
Week 6 - at Buffalo Bills
Prediction: LOSS (1-5)
Buffalo is in the ultimate "win-now" mode as head coach Rex Ryan and general manager Doug Whaley will be fired if they don't make the playoffs. Expect them to play inspired football at home.
Week 7 - vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Prediction: WIN (2-5)
Tampa Bay is a promising young team, led by Jameis Winston, but they could come out flat in a cross-country game. I expect the 49ers to try to start turning their season around in this one.
Week 9 - vs New Orleans Saints
Prediction: LOSS (2-6)
Unfortunately for the 49ers, their season won't turn around after a bye week. Drew Brees should tear up their secondary.
Week 10 - at Arizona Cardinals
Prediction: LOSS (2-7)
Arizona is the much better team and will be playing on another level at home.
Week 11 - vs New England Patriots
Prediction: LOSS (2-8)
This will be a good measuring stick for the 49ers, but unfortunately, I think they'll come up well short against one of the best teams in the league.
Week 12 - at Miami Dolphins
Prediction: LOSS (2-9)
Miami has every intention of fighting for a playoff spot this year, making this a must-win game for them. They'll come out and play like it.
Week 13 - at Chicago Bears
Prediction: WIN (3-9)
Chicago is also in rebuilding mode, but they will be out of playoff contention by the time this game comes around. San Francisco will take advantage and get a much-needed win.
Week 14 - vs New York Jets
Prediction: LOSS (3-10)
New York will be gunning for one of the final playoff spots in the AFC. There's no way they're gonna slip up in this one.
Week 15 - at Atlanta Falcons
Prediction: WIN (4-10)
Like Chicago, Atlanta will likely be out of playoff contention by this point in the season. The 49ers will try to end their season on a high note, and winning two games in three weeks will be a needed boost.
Week 16 - at Los Angeles Rams
Prediction: LOSS (4-11)
That being said, the boost will stop there. LA will also be competing for a playoff spot and playing motivated.
Week 17 - vs Seattle Seahawks
Prediction: LOSS (4-12)
The Seahawks might be tempted to rest their starters in this game, but they'll probably need a win to secure a bye (or home-field advantage) in the postseason. They'll beat the Niners again.
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