Niner Noise
FanSided

Predicting Every 49ers Game in 2016

By Nicholas McGee

Sep 1, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; 49ers head coach Chip Kelly looks on from the sideline during the second half of the game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. San Francisco won 31-21. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 1, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; 49ers head coach Chip Kelly looks on from the sideline during the second half of the game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. San Francisco won 31-21. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 27, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Case Keenum (17) makes a call at the line of scrimmage over center Tim Barnes (61) in the first quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 27, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Case Keenum (17) makes a call at the line of scrimmage over center Tim Barnes (61) in the first quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /

Week 1 vs. Los Angeles Rams – WIN

The 49ers are at home. And this may be one of the few occasions this season where Levi’s Stadium is full before apathy sets in among sections of the fan base.

San Francisco rose to the occasion in front of a raucous home crowd in a Monday night opener with the Minnesota Vikings, who are a much better team than the Rams.

The Rams possess great talent on defense in Aaron Donald and Robert Quinn. And they have a dynamic offensive threat in running back Todd Gurley. But the 49ers stymie both on this occasion.

Indeed, the improvements made on both sides of the trenches will be evident for all to see in Week 1, with the O-Line paving the way for Carlos Hyde to replicate his heroics of last year’s opener and the D-Line creating havoc for Case Keenum.

San Francisco is better than Los Angeles in a number of areas, including at quarterback – yes Blaine Gabbert is superior to Keenum. And the Niners will have enough to chalk up a win in Kelly’s debut.

Next: Week 2 @ Carolina Panthers