San Francisco 49ers: First-take regular-season schedule predictions for 2018

SANTA CLARA, CA - DECEMBER 24: Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers signalsto his team during their NFL game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Levi's Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Robert Reiners/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - DECEMBER 24: Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers signalsto his team during their NFL game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Levi's Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Robert Reiners/Getty Images) /
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SANTA CLARA, CA – AUGUST 19: Paxton Lynch #12 of the Denver Broncos looks to pass the ball against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium on August 19, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA – AUGUST 19: Paxton Lynch #12 of the Denver Broncos looks to pass the ball against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium on August 19, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

Week 14 vs. Denver Broncos

Week 14 might not be the pinnacle game on San Francisco’s schedule, but it’s certainly one of interest for general manager John Lynch.

After all, Lynch and Broncos GM John Elway have their ties, and the two have been in trade talks numerous times since Lynch took over the Niners’ front-office duties just over a year ago.

Denver isn’t anything close to the defensively dominant squad that handled the Carolina Panthers during Super Bowl 50. And while adding former Vikings quarterback Case Keenum this offseason is an upgrade, it’s likely to be a few more years before the Broncos get back to a playoff-caliber level.

Sure, the Broncos still have some viable weapons on both sides of the ball. EDGE Von Miller versus right tackle Trent Brown (Miller once called Brown the best pass-blocking tackle in the NFL) will be a storyline to watch. So will Denver’s suspect offensive line versus a questionable Niners pass rush.

Still, a clear edge goes to the 49ers in this one. Especially at home.

Prediction: 49ers 23, Broncos 17