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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Nov 9, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) prepares to throw the ball as San Francisco 49ers inside linebacker Michael Wilhoite (57) tackles in the third quarter at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The 49ers won 27-24. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports /

Week 9 vs. New Orleans Saints

How about this — the 49ers don’t have to play the Saints in New Orleans for once!

Coming off their own bye week, the Niners will hopefully have enough rest and preparation time to handle veteran quarterback Drew Brees and Co. in a matchup that seems far less entertaining than previous 49ers and Saints contests of years ago.

New Orleans is nothing like it used to be, and the team’s 7-9 finish last year is more of an indication of their shortcomings than anything else.

Offensively, the Saints remain potent even if Brees is a year older. But defensively, New Orleans has more than its fair share of holes to fill. This was a group which ranked dead last in the league last year with 476 points allowed — again, another good recipe for head coach Chip Kelly and his offense.

The added week of preparation and rest also plays into the Niners’ hands.

Hey, San Francisco has a winning streak.

Prediction: Win

Next: Week 10 @ Cardinals