SANTA CLARA — The experts consider this game a glorified bye week for the 49ers. An easy win.
The 49ers are undefeated. The Washington Redskins, their opponent Sunday, are 1-5. End of analysis. The 49ers are supposed to fly across the country, show up to the game, win by a couple of touchdowns and fly home without breaking a sweat. The 49ers are 10-point road favorites. New ground for them.
The experts may come to realize what the 49ers already understand: The Redskins are no pushovers. They will put up a fight.
The 49ers should win, but there are five reasons the game could be much closer than many of the experts think.