SF 49ers schedule: Too-early ranking of 5 easiest games of 2021
No. 1: Even with the No. 1 pick in the NFL Draft, it’s not going to solve the Jaguars’ problems when they face the SF 49ers
Last matchup: December 2017 — SF 49ers 44 Jacksonville Jaguars 33
Keep in mind, this is a far-too early look at the 2021 schedule. So there’s a decent chance the Jacksonville Jaguars completely turn their organization around with a franchise quarterback, new coach and new culture.
Don’t let the 1-15 record fool you. Jacksonville lost five games by four points or less. The Jags were in many games and just needed an extra play here and there to be less embarrassing.
San Francisco 49ers
But even if they take Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence with the first overall selection in the 2021 NFL Draft, the SF 49ers should easily have their way with the team from Northern Florida.
The Jaguars ranked basically at the bottom of every key category. It’s going to take more than a franchise quarterback to change everything around.
Recent history is in the Niners’ favor, as they’ve won the last three meetings with Jacksonville after losing the first two.
If you have a healthy quarterback, Jimmy Garoppolo (assuming he sticks around), an offensive line that’s improved its pass blocking, wide receivers Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk running laps with ease, and a defense lead by linebacker Fred Warner and Nick Bosa, there’s virtually no way the SF 49ers lose this game.
This is the perfect “trap game” for the 49ers. Obviously, they should beat Jacksonville, but it’s the NFL and anything can happen.
Bonus victories
With matchups against the LA Rams, Seattle Seahawks and Arizona Cardinals you can expect the SF 49ers to win at least three of these games. They’ve swept the Rams in back-to-back seasons, stole a victory from Arizona and played Seattle tough in their final game of the season.
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With basically five guaranteed victories already, you can chalk the SF 49ers to win 10 games at least. They’ll be healthier, hungrier and more focused than ever to win the Super Bowl.