Niner Noise
FanSided

Finding the wins on 49ers’ remaining 2017 schedule

By Peter Panacy

SANTA CLARA, CA - JANUARY 01: Richard Sherman #25 of the Seattle Seahawks tackles Chris Harper #14 of the San Francisco 49ers on January 1, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - JANUARY 01: Richard Sherman #25 of the Seattle Seahawks tackles Chris Harper #14 of the San Francisco 49ers on January 1, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
7 of 8
Next
LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 27: #35 Eric Reid of the San Francisco 49ers tackles #16 Denard Robinson of the Jacksonville Jaguars during the NFL International Series game between San Francisco 49ers and Jacksonville Jaguars at Wembley Stadium on October 27, 2013 in London, England. (Photo by Jamie McDonald/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 27: #35 Eric Reid of the San Francisco 49ers tackles #16 Denard Robinson of the Jacksonville Jaguars during the NFL International Series game between San Francisco 49ers and Jacksonville Jaguars at Wembley Stadium on October 27, 2013 in London, England. (Photo by Jamie McDonald/Getty Images) /

Week 16 vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

Opponent’s Record: 5-3

Before the season began, this contest was likely one the 49ers would have won easily. After all, the Jacksonville Jaguars have quarterback Blake Bortles under center, and he’s terrible.

But Jaguars head coach Doug Marrone has taken the burden off Bortles this season and placed it both upon the defense and the running game behind rookie tailback Leonard Fournette.

Oh, and tailback Chris Ivory in Week 9 too, as Fournette was inactive for violating team rules.

This year has finally revealed the Jags’ multi-year defensive investments can do. To date, the Jaguars have the league’s best scoring defense (just 117 points against) and have held opponents to nine-or-less points in five of their eight games played this season.

Even if Jacksonville’s offense isn’t playing well, the 49ers have no business moving the ball against this defense.

It might be a low-scoring game or a blowout. Either way, the Niners won’t be able to score.

Prediction: 49ers 7, Jaguars 30