49ers: Way Too Early Look at Win-Loss Predictions for 2016

San Francisco 49ers: Way Too Early Win-Loss Predictions for 2016 NFL Season

Nov 27, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; General view of the line of scrimmage as San Francisco 49ers center Marcus Martin (66) snaps the ball to quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) against the Seattle Seahawks at Levi's Stadium. The Seahawks defeated the 49ers 19-3 in the Thanksgiving Day game.Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

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November 29, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers tight end Vance McDonald (89) runs with the football against Arizona Cardinals strong safety Tony Jefferson (22) during the fourth quarter at Levi’s Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the 49ers 19-13. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

Week 5 vs. Arizona Cardinals

The Arizona Cardinals are another one of the many elite teams San Francisco will face this season.

It’s unlikely the 49ers will be dealt another 47-7 shellacking like they did in Week 3 against the Cardinals last year, given this is a home game for San Francisco. And, maybe, the 49ers can take some comfort knowing they nearly handed the Cardinals a loss at Levi’s Stadium in Week 12.

That consolation may help to an extent, but Arizona is in win-now mode after being eliminated from the playoffs in a rough 49-15 loss to the Carolina Panthers in the NFC Championship game.

Even though the Cardinals are led by aging veterans like quarterback Carson Palmer and wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, this Arizona group could wind up being even better this season. And head coach Bruce Arians seems to be pulling the right strings.

San Francisco falls back below the .500 mark with a loss at home to its division rival.

Prediction: Loss

Next: Week 6 @ Bills