San Francisco 49ers: Post-NFL Draft Win, Loss Predictions for 2017 Season

Week 15 vs. Tennessee Titans

Not too long ago, one might have said this would be a relatively easy game for the 49ers to win. After all, the Tennessee Titans are just two years removed from a 3-13 record. They can’t be that much better than the Niners now, right?

Well, it’s possible Tennessee winds up being one of those sleeper teams on the rise in 2017. The Titans had only two pressing needs in the NFL Draft — wide receiver and the secondary — and they addressed them both in Round 1, picking up wide receiver Corey Davis and cornerback Adoree Jackson.

Quarterback Marcus Mariota is in line for a huge season too. And that could spell some problems for a 49ers defense still learning how to deal with dual-threat QBs.

Why Tennessee Wins

Mariota will have had time to generate chemistry with receivers like Davis and fellow rookie Taywan Taylor. That poses a problem. And running back DeMarco Murray should have his fair share of carries as well.

With the Titans boasting the league’s second best run defense last year (88.3 yards allowed per game), all the pressure will be on those young defensive backs to make plays as the Niners try to adjust.

They’re equal to the task.

Why San Francisco Wins

The Titans now have both an elite-level ground attack and weapons to strike through the air. That spells trouble. San Francisco’s best approach would be to stop Murray and force Mariota’s young receivers to make plays. Since they’re still developing, Tennessee struggles to move the ball enough via the pass.

On the flip side, the Niners realize those rookie defensive backs will have growing pains of their own and don’t hesitate to target them early and often.

But is it going to be enough?

Prediction