San Francisco 49ers: First-take regular-season schedule predictions for 2018
By Peter Panacy
Week 4 @ Los Angeles Chargers
Call it a hunch, but it wouldn’t be a shock to see the Los Angeles Chargers take over control of the AFC West this season. Despite finishing 9-7 a year ago, four fluky losses to open up 2017 shouldn’t be used as an indication where this team is heading.
Sure, the Chargers can’t draw at the StubHub center, which will likely be filled with plenty of fans donning red and gold in Week 4. And L.A. has an aging quarterback in Philip Rivers.
Yet Rivers, whose 10 interceptions thrown last year marked the fewest in a single season since 2009, is still playing at a high level. As long as his offensive line stays healthy and his receivers contribute, the Chargers will be a team to watch.
Especially on defense.
Edge rushers Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram could make life hell for San Francisco’s offensive line, which gave up 43 sacks last year — tied for 10th most in the NFL.
The prediction machine (my brain) envisions this contest being a bit sloppy on the Niners’ side of things, influenced by L.A.’s dangerous pass rush.
San Francisco falls to 2-2 as a result.