Niner Noise
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49ers schedule: Predicting wins and losses over second half of 2018

By Peter Panacy

SANTA CLARA, CA - NOVEMBER 26: Quarterback Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks evades Reuben Foster #56 of the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on November 26, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - NOVEMBER 26: Quarterback Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks evades Reuben Foster #56 of the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on November 26, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CA – DECEMBER 31: George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers eludes John Johnson #43 of the Los Angeles Rams on a pass play during the first half of a game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on December 31, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – DECEMBER 31: George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers eludes John Johnson #43 of the Los Angeles Rams on a pass play during the first half of a game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on December 31, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

Week 17 @ Los Angeles Rams

The last time the 49ers met the Los Angeles Rams, the Niners were completely throttled 39-10 in one of the worst losses in recent San Francisco history.

On paper, it’s likely that would repeat itself again in Week 17 if it weren’t for one main fact: it’s Week 17.

The Rams suffered their first loss of 2018, falling on the road to the New Orleans Saints 45-35 in Week 9. Still, L.A. is 8-1 and remains a favorite to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl. Right now, there’s no reason to assume otherwise.

By Week 17, the Rams could have everything locked up they otherwise could secure. There might not be anything left for head coach Sean McVay to play for.

More from Niner Noise

Last season, when the Niners were in Los Angeles, McVay rested his first-team unit. The 49ers pulled off a one-sided 34-13 victory of L.A.’s B-team, which isn’t saying much.

But since we’re about NFL predictions, let’s break it down. Sort of.

Why the 49ers Win

McVay rests his starters.

Why the 49ers Lose

McVay doesn’t rest his starters.

But that probably won’t be the case.

Prediction: 49ers 23, Rams 14

Next. 5 starting quarterbacks on the hot seat in 2018. dark

Judging the rest of the Niners’ 2018 NFL schedule, Kyle Shanahan’s squad could pick up four more wins on this season, leading to yet another 6-10 record, albeit one heavily influenced by injuries.

That could still net San Francisco a top five pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, if someone cares about that. Or it could fall to No. 10. But that’s another article for another time.