49ers schedule: Quick-take win/loss predictions for 2019

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SANTA CLARA, CA – DECEMBER 16: DeForest Buckner #99 of the San Francisco 49ers sacks Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks during their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium on December 16, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

Week 14, Sunday, December 8: at New Orleans

In yet another test for this 49ers defense, they had to New Orleans to take on the high-powered Saints offense, led by the seemingly ageless Drew Brees and his bevy of offensive weapons (which apparently includes anyone he wants, including some guy named Tommylee Lewis).

This is a scary one, especially considering the Saints are likely going to be fighting for a NFC South division title. However the Niners, according to my analysis so far, may find themselves in the hunt for a NFC playoff spot, too. I don’t think scoring points is going to be an issue for this team (they managed to sit at 21 in points scored last year, according to Pro Football Reference, with mostly C.J. Beathard and Nick Mullens at quarterback), so this will come down to the defense.

In this case, as may be the case for many a defenses next year, I think they fall short, leading to an unfortunately timed three-game losing streak.

Record: 8-5

Week 15, Sunday, December 8: vs. Atlanta

Another NFC South opponent in as many weeks, this time in form of Kyle Shanahan’s old employer, the Atlanta Falcons. The Falcons offense hasn’t been the same since Shanahan left for San Francisco, and their defense, which wasn’t all that great the year they went to the Super Bowl, has not really improved in the years since. While Matt Ryan is still one of the better quarterbacks in the league and Julio Jones might be one of the best (if not the best) receivers in the game, I think the Niners have enough to put an end to the losing streak and keep their playoff hopes alive.

Record: 9-5

Week 16, Saturday, December 21 OR Sunday December 22: vs. Los Angeles Rams

This one could go a lot of different ways depending on what each team needs at the time. The Rams are likely going to be the NFC West winners for the third year in a row, and this game may go a long way in securing that bid.

Everything that I said about the Rams earlier is still true, and while I continue to believe the Niners can hold their own against this team, the fact of the matter is that until proven otherwise, it’s still going to look like a close game that ultimately ends in a Niners’ loss.

Record: 9-6

Week 17, Sunday, December 29: at Seattle

Everything inside of me wants to go full homer on this one and predict that finally, after all these years the 49ers will both sweep the season series from the Seahawks and win a game in Seattle. I could be — and hope I am — wrong about this. But much like the Rams, I have to believe that Seattle has the Niners’ number, especially at home, until proven otherwise.

This game could be the decider for a Wild Card spot, but if it came down to this, as currently constructed, I think the 49ers would fall just a little short.

Final Record: 9-7

A lot could change between now and the beginning of the season, and over the course of the season. But I think nine wins, especially after the last two years, would be a major step in the right direction for this franchise. And, of course, there are plenty of games — like at Baltimore, versus Green Bay and especially that final game at Seattle — that could turn into a few more wins, making the playoffs even more likely.

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Nine wins wouldn’t necessarily take the 49ers out of the picture, either, but it would certainly show the team is moving forward. After the last few years, especially last year that began with so much promise, that would be a great place to be.