The range of realistic outcomes for the 49ers’ season is extremely wide. They have a shot at chasing a playoff spot, but they also might wind up picking in the top 10 again in next year’s draft.
We’ll have our official predictions at the end of the preseason, but in the meantime, we wanted to get a different perspective. The editors of the USA TODAY Sports Media Group NFL wire sites for all the 49ers’ opponents were generous enough to pitch in a quick prediction for their matchup vs. San Francisco this year.
The results weren’t pretty for Kyle Shanahan’s squad.
Week 1: 49ers at Buccaneers
A new era in Tampa Bay with Bruce Arians starts off with a solid win in Week 1. The Niners will have QB Jimmy Garoppolo back, but he’ll be facing a tough road test against this new Todd Bowles defense. The Bucs will take advantage of some costly Niners turnovers and come out victorious. Bucs 27, 49ers 13 (0-1)
Week 2: 49ers at Bengals
The Bengals might be at home in Week 2 against the 49ers, but they return there after a rough trip to Seattle as the opener. Besides boasting a new head coach for the first time in 16 years, the Bengals are down a starting left tackle, guard and perhaps A.J. Green heading into the second week of the season, and that’s just the tally less than a week into training camp. A hobbled Bengals team won’t be able to keep pace. 49ers 27, Bengals 14 (1-1)
Week 3: Steelers at 49ers
Week 5: Browns at 49ers
The Browns’ considerable offensive skill position talent should be jelling by this point, and Baker Mayfield has so many big-play weapons to attack the vulnerable second level. This is the type of game that will illustrate the importance of adding Sheldon Richardson and Olivier Vernon to the Browns defense. Cleveland has too much firepower. Browns 30, 49ers 20 (1-3)
Week 6: 49ers at Rams
The Rams had very little trouble with the 49ers last season, but that was without Garoppolo. Now that Jimmy G is healthy again, the Rams are … still going to take care of San Francisco. They’re simply too balanced on both sides of the ball and with the game being at home, Los Angeles will handle its business. Rams 34, 49ers 28 (1-4)
Week 7: 49ers at Washington
The main factor in determining an outcome between the 49ers and Washington Redskins will be who is starting under center for Washington. Rookie quarterback Dwayne Haskins is not set to start the season at QB, but by Week 7, the team could very well be his own. If the defense meets their high expectations and the offense looks even semicompetent, expect the Redskins to at least keep the game competitive. Still, I don’t see Washington being able to contain Jimmy G, so look for San Francisco to leave with a victory. 49ers 27, Washington 17 (2-4)
Week 8: Panthers at 49ers
The Panthers went all in on their defensive line this offseason, signing Gerald McCoy to help anchor a new 3-4 front with Dontari Poe and Kawann Short. They also improved their pass rush by adding first-round pick Brian Burns in the draft and veteran Bruce Irvin in free agency. If that group can make Garoppolo uncomfortable in the pocket, it may be tough for the 49ers to keep up on the scoreboard. Panthers 23, 49ers 20 (2-5)
Week 9: 49ers at Cardinals
Week 10: Seahawks at 49ers
The Seattle Seahawks don’t face off against the division-rival 49ers until Week 11 in a Monday night matchup. With their bye week following the game, the Seahawks will have to muster all their remaining strength to get a win on the road. If Seattle’s offense lives up to the hype, they’ll head home with a victory. Seahawks 26, 49ers 10 (2-7)
Week 11: Cardinals at 49ers
– Jess Root, Cards Wire
Week 12: Packers at 49ers
Week 13: 49ers at Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens are coming off a Monday night game against the Los Angeles Rams just a few days prior, so they’ll likely be a little more beaten up and tired for this matchup than usual, which makes this game tough to judge. But with a rushing attack that finished last season among the best in the NFL and has only gotten better this offseason, Baltimore controls the clock on offense while smothering on defense. Still, it’s probably too close for comfort for the Ravens when considering they’re playing at home against a team traveling across the country. Ravens 20, 49ers 17 (3-9)
– Matthew Stevens, Ravens Wire
Week 14: 49ers at Saints
Garoppolo and the Niners receiving corps should be in sync come early December, and Shanahan’s passing concepts have given the Saints defense fits in the past. Niners win a close one in New Orleans. 49ers 24, Saints 20 (4-9)
Week 15: Falcons at 49ers
The Falcons destroyed the 49ers the last time these two teams played late in the 2016 season, 41-13. Both rosters look a lot different, but the key factor may be Atlanta’s supreme depth at wide receiver going against a relatively weak San Francisco secondary. Richard Sherman can probably hold his own against Julio Jones, but Calvin Ridley and Mohamed Sanu should be able to eat against the other corners. Falcons 31, 49ers 24 (4-10)
Week 16: Rams at 49ers
This late-season matchup will be tougher for Los Angeles because of A) potential wear and tear on Todd Gurley; and B) the youth of the 49ers having gained experience throughout the year. The Rams should be able to manage Gurley’s workload to keep him fresh for all 16 games, but if not, they could run into trouble. Right now, I’ll say the Rams win with Darrell Henderson having a big game. Rams 31, 49ers 27 (4-11)
– Cam DaSilva, Rams Wire
Week 17: 49ers at Seahawks
Editor’s note: The 49ers haven’t won in Seattle since 2011 – their only victory in the Pacific Northwest this decade. Liz, the Seahawks Wire managing editor, assumes that streak will not end this year.
Seahawks 23, 49ers 17 (4-12)
– Liz Matthews, Seahawks Wire
