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49ers schedule: 5 most winnable games in 2017

By Peter Panacy

Dec 6, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Shaun Draughn (24) celebrates scoring a touchdown during the first half against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 6, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Shaun Draughn (24) celebrates scoring a touchdown during the first half against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /
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December 24, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff (16) looks for an open man to throw to against the San Francisco 49ers during the second half at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
December 24, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff (16) looks for an open man to throw to against the San Francisco 49ers during the second half at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 4: Week 17 at Los Angeles Rams

The fourth easiest-winnable game on the 49ers’ 2017 schedule is an NFC West divisional showdown to close out the season.

Los Angeles is going through its own major changes entering this season. Jeff Fisher is no longer head coach, and a 31-year-old Sean McVay now holds the accolade of being the youngest head coach in the modern era.

Being a division rival, the Niners play the Rams twice this season. But two things set this game as slightly more difficult than the first time these two teams face off.

First, it’s a road contest. That goes without saying. Second, and perhaps more importantly, McVay may have his proverbial “ducks in a row” by the time Week 17 rolls around. Los Angeles’ dysfunction last season spilled over into this year. Offensively, quarterback Jared Goff has a lot to prove. So does third-year running back Todd Gurley.

Yet the defense remains strong, and new defensive coordinator Wade Phillips is well respected.

It’s still hard to project the Rams offense taking notable strides this season, although one should expect this unit to be slightly better than it was last year.

Still, Los Angeles holds the lowly distinction of being the only team the 49ers could beat a year ago. And this year’s Niners crop is vastly improved.