Niner Noise
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San Francisco 49ers: 5 things to accomplish during Week 11 bye

By Peter Panacy

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - AUGUST 25: Head coach Kyle Shanahan of the San Francisco 49ers looks on in the second quarter of a preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on August 25, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - AUGUST 25: Head coach Kyle Shanahan of the San Francisco 49ers looks on in the second quarter of a preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on August 25, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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TAMPA, FL – DECEMBER 15: Tight end Garrett Celek #88 of the San Francisco 49ers sets to block against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers December 15, 2013 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL – DECEMBER 15: Tight end Garrett Celek #88 of the San Francisco 49ers sets to block against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers December 15, 2013 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images) /

No. 2: Settle for No Less Than a Win in Week 12

Forget the always-present “tank for a better NFL Draft pick” argument for a second here.

Looking at San Francisco’s remaining 2018 schedule, the Week 12 matchup with the Buccaneers might easily be the team’s last realistically winnable contest. Sure, the Denver Broncos (Week 14) are experiencing problems. And the Los Angeles Rams could rest their starters and play their B-team to close out the season in Week 17.

Still, a win in the following week’s bout in Tampa Bay against a scuffling-but-offensively potent 3-6 Bucs squad would provide a good deal of reward.

The 49ers have yet to learn how to play complete games, as those four fourth-quarter collapses this season have revealed. Learning how to win, especially for predominantly young teams, is a vital trait to possess. And some may argue it’s more important than a high draft pick. The coaching staff and front office sure would.

Besides, it’s not like a victory over the Buccaneers would be overly costly, in terms of draft position.

At most, the 49ers finish with perhaps three or four wins on the season and an easy top-five selection in April’s draft anyway.