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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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Sep 12, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; iSan Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jeremy Kerley (17) runs the ball against the Los Angeles Rams in the fourth quarter at Levi’s Stadium. The 49ers won 28-0. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 12, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; iSan Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jeremy Kerley (17) runs the ball against the Los Angeles Rams in the fourth quarter at Levi’s Stadium. The 49ers won 28-0. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 1: Week 3 versus Los Angeles Rams

San Francisco’s only prime-time matchup this season, a Thursday Night Football contest in Week 3, features an NFC West showdown versus the Rams at Levi’s Stadium.

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Short weeks usually benefit the home team, making this game the most winnable on the 49ers’ 2017 schedule.

Like the Niners, Los Angeles is going through a slew of front-office changes. And those shakeups will take time to jell. Can head coach Sean McVay invigorate what was one of the league’s worst offenses a year ago? How much will he get out of 2016 first-overall draft pick, quarterback Jared Goff? Will running back Todd Gurley replicate his rookie year, or will this season be another case of a disappointing effort for the once-touted runner?

Sure, the 49ers are facing many of these same questions. Head coach Kyle Shanahan is installing a complex offensive system. The defense is also revamped and changing under defensive coordinator Robert Saleh.

And both Los Angeles and San Francisco have rosters filled with holes.

Still, this game remains the Niners’ most winnable based on these aforementioned facts. The Rams’ own rebuilding project has a long way to go, and the home-field advantage is something impossible to overlook.

Next: Win & loss predictions for each 49ers game in 2017

The 49ers should have little trouble pulling this one off.