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49ers’ Opener in Tampa as Close to a Must-Win as a First Game Can Be

With a 16 game slate, it seems ludicrous to even entertain the idea that the 49ers are in a dire situation heading into the season opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

But is it that crazy?

San Francisco’s strength of schedule is ranked as the 11th most-difficult this year. It includes an obscenely early Week 4 bye-week and a brutal six-game stretch against the Packers, Ravens, Saints, Falcons, Rams, and Seahawks to close the season.

2019 is a new year though, so it remains to be seen just how challenging that schedule is until the season gets underway.