Finding the wins on 49ers’ remaining 2017 schedule
By Peter Panacy
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