49ers 2019 opponents: Way-too-early game predictions for next season
By Peter Panacy
49ers’ 2019 Away Games and Predictions
The Niners, along with the rest of their NFC West division rivals, gett to face both the NFC South and AFC North this year. Additionally, San Francisco will square off against both the Washington Redskins and Green Bay Packers, as each of those squads finished third in the NFC East and NFC North, respectively.
San Francisco 49ers
Arizona Cardinals (3-13)
Ironically, two of the Arizona Cardinals’ three wins in 2018 came against the 49ers. That’s a bad look for San Francisco. Although one has to figure the Niners wouldn’t have let both those losses happen if quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo was under center instead of C.J. Beathard.
The Cardinals got rid of head coach Steve Wilks, too, so they’ll be starting from scratch… again.
Prediction: Win
New Orleans Saints (13-3)
As long as future Hall of Fame quarterback Drew Brees is playing, the New Orleans Saints will be tough to beat. Especially for the Niners on the road.
Prediction: Loss
Seattle Seahawks (10-6)
The 49ers haven’t won in Seattle since 2011, and it’s hard to see that streak coming to a close in 2019. At least the Niners ended the series losing streak this season, but let’s save that mark for the home game against the Seahawks instead.
Prediction: Loss
Cincinnati Bengals (6-10)
It all depends what kind of defense the Cincinnati Bengals field in 2019. Head coach Marvin Lewis is finally out, so who knows? There’s some talent on both sides of the ball, but Cincy has been a massive disappointment for a while now. And that 2018 defense was a joke and won’t be fixed in one offseason.
Prediction: Win
Los Angeles Rams (13-3)
The 49ers just got stomped by the Rams in L.A. 48-32 to close out the regular season. The Rams have some tough contractual choices to make this offseason, namely with defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh and linebacker Dante Fowler. That said, L.A.’s offense should only get better with a fully healthy running back, Todd Gurley, and wide receiver Cooper Kupp returning from injury.
The Rams still own the NFC West.
Prediction: Loss
Baltimore Ravens (10-6)
Quarterback Lamar Jackson is good. He needs some weapons around him, though. Of course, the Baltimore Ravens’ strength lies on the defensive side of the ball. The problem, however, is it’s aging and faces some key free-agent situations this offseason. Will 2019 be the year this unit suffers some regression?
Prediction: Loss
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-11)
Like the Rams game to close out 2018, the 49ers also got throttled on the road against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Yet the Bucs just fired head coach Dirk Koetter and elected to stick it out another year with quarterback Jameis Winston. Next year should be interesting, for sure.
Don’t expect San Francisco to look anywhere near as flat-footed again in Tampa Bay.
Prediction: Win
Washington Redskins (7-9)
It’s hard to admit it, but former 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith may never be the same after suffering his horrendous ankle injury. And since the quarterback market in both free agency and the NFL Draft is awfully thin, chances are there will be some slim pickings for Washington in 2019.
Prediction: Win