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San Francisco 49ers: Win & Loss Predictions for Each Game of 2017 NFL Schedule

By Peter Panacy

Aug 15, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; General view of the line of scrimmage as San Francisco 49ers center Dillon Farrell prepares to snap the ball against the Houston Texans in a preseason NFL football game at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 15, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; General view of the line of scrimmage as San Francisco 49ers center Dillon Farrell prepares to snap the ball against the Houston Texans in a preseason NFL football game at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 18, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Indianapolis Colts running back Frank Gore (23) against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Colts defeated the Vikings 34-6. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 18, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Indianapolis Colts running back Frank Gore (23) against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Colts defeated the Vikings 34-6. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /

Week 5 at Indianapolis Colts

For the first time on the season, the 49ers will enjoy going up against a defense that isn’t very good.

A year ago, the Indianapolis Colts defense ranked 22nd in points allowed (392) and 30th in yards given up (6,126). Their pass rush was almost nonexistent, outside of linebacker Erik Walden, and he’s not even with the team anymore.

But the other side of the coin is much different.

Everyone remembers how bad and porous San Francisco’s defense was a year ago. And Colts quarterback Andrew Luck should have little trouble carving up a secondary lacking playmaking weapons.

If his offensive line can protect him. Indy’s O-line gave up a total of 44 sacks last year. Football Outsiders ranked this unit 28th in pass protection — just two spots ahead of the Niners.

Of course the real story will be former San Francisco great, running back Frank Gore, squaring off against his old squad.

But if the 49ers’ run-stopping woes from 2016 carry over into this year, Gore could wind up having a big day.

Prediction: Loss