Niner Noise
FanSided

Ranking the 49ers’ toughest 5 games of 2018

By Peter Panacy

LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 31: Carlos Hyde #28 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates his touchdown against Los Angeles Rams during the second quarter at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on December 31, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 31: Carlos Hyde #28 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates his touchdown against Los Angeles Rams during the second quarter at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on December 31, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /
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SAN DIEGO, CA – SEPTEMBER 01: Philip Rivers #17 of the San Diego Chargers smiles as he warms up before a preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Qualcomm Stadium on September 1, 2016 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CA – SEPTEMBER 01: Philip Rivers #17 of the San Diego Chargers smiles as he warms up before a preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Qualcomm Stadium on September 1, 2016 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

No. 4: Week 4 @ Los Angeles Chargers

This one might come as a bit of a surprise, but the Chargers are certainly much better than the 9-7 record they posted a year ago. A few less missed field goals early in 2017, and the Chargers would have won the AFC West and made it into the playoffs.

At any rate, L.A. is a dangerous opponent for the 49ers in Week 4 this season. Quarterback Philip Rivers cut down on his woeful interception totals from 2016, tossing just 10 last year. And with edge rushers Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram combining to make arguably the best pass-rushing tandem in the NFL this season, one can see how things might be tough on San Francisco.

The Niners offensive line is one area of concern heading into 2018. Sure, Jimmy Garoppolo’s pocket poise makes a huge difference for this unit. But it’s possible that won’t be enough to stop either Bosa or Ingram from being a force.

And if Rivers carves up a questionable 49ers secondary, especially if San Francisco can’t generate a pass rush of its own, this game could be one the Niners would rather forget.