The San Francisco 49ers have a tough start to their season, but they are ready to prove they belong amongst the best teams in the NFL. They closed 2017 on a five-game winning streak with Jimmy Garoppolo as their starting quarterback, giving the team very high hopes for 2018. Here's a game-by-game prediction of the 49ers' first five games of 2018:
Week 1: at Minnesota Vikings
Prediction: LOSS (0-1)
It's no fluke that the Vikings were one of the best teams in the NFL last season. They have quality receivers, a good quarterback in Kirk Cousins, a dynamic rushing attack (remember, Dalvin Cook will be back and healthy) and an absolutely dominant defense. They're an all-around team that will expose any and all weaknesses the 49ers have.
Week 2: vs. Detroit Lions
Prediction: WIN (1-1)
San Francisco should pick up their first win of the season at home against a vulnerable Lions team with plenty of question marks on defense. Expect Garoppolo to have a big game in this one.
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Week 3: at Kansas City Chiefs
Prediction: LOSS (1-2)
Kansas City has won the AFC West two years in a row and is the favorites to win it again in 2018. Arrowhead is an extremely tough place to play, and even though the Chiefs have questions at quarterback with Patrick Mahomes, they have a multitude of weapons on offense and still have a top defense.
Week 4: Los Angeles Chargers
Prediction: WIN (2-2)
Two teams with great offense and question marks on defense. However, I'd give the edge to the 49ers since they are at home in this matchup.
Week 5: Arizona Cardinals
Prediction: WIN (2-3)
The Cardinals will be one of the worst teams in the league as they undergo a rebuild. Their offense doesn't have a great go-to option (Larry Fitzgerald isn't that anymore) and their defense isn't as great as it once was.
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