49ers 2020 NFL schedule release: Top 5 storylines to watch
By Peter Panacy
No. 1: How the NFC West Pans Out in 2020
As it was in 2019, the NFC figures to be the stronger of the two conferences, and one could make the argument the NFC West is now the dominant division in the conference, perhaps the league as a whole.
San Francisco 49ers
The Seahawks and 49ers are the class acts of the division, and it wouldn’t be a shock to see both teams make the playoffs, especially with the new seven-teams-per-conference format. Meanwhile, the Arizona Cardinals proved to be a pesky bunch last year despite their 5-10-1 record. Quarterback Kyler Murray made life hell for San Francisco’s defense both games a season ago, and this year figures to be even more of a challenge.
Especially with the Cardinals adding arguably the best wide receiver in the game, DeAndre Hopkins, during the offseason.
The only team which appeared to head in the wrong direction during the offseason was the Los Angeles Rams. But there’s still plenty of talent in Southern California, and a .500 record isn’t totally out of the question for head coach Sean McVay’s squad.
The 49ers will obviously want to secure a playoff spot, preferably the No. 1 seed. To do that, of course, they’ll have to win the NFC West.
That won’t be easy.
3 potential trap games on 49ers' 2020 schedule. dark. Next
Just like last season, when San Francisco needed a thrilling Sunday Night Football win over the Seahawks to secure both the division at No. 1 playoff berth, both teams will square off in Week 17 in what could be a division- and conference-determining bout.