49ers schedule: 5 games that could determine playoff push

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Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

No. 3: ‘Trap games’ haunt the 49ers, so they’ll want to disarm the Jaguars to stay in the playoff hunt

It’s safe to say many of us are excited to see how Jacksonville Jaguars rookie quarterback Trevor Lawrence turns out. It’ll also be exciting to actually see the NFL’s first overall pick in November.

This game already has the makings of a “trap game” for San Francisco. The Niners have tended to play down to their opponents rather than be the flashy, aggressive team we know they can be.

By the time these teams clash in Florida, Lawrence should’ve played around nine to 10 games. That’ll give the Niners’ defensive coaches ample opportunity to scout the rookie and figure out the best way to stop him.

But this is a chance for San Francisco to dominate from coin toss to the final whistle. Jacksonville finished last in the NFL last season for a reason. One offseason, a couple of good draft spots, and a new coach isn’t going to turn the tide around right away.

This could determine a lot where the 49ers seed especially in the NFC West. LA, Seattle, and Arizona also get cracks at Jacksonville.

Winning is not an option this week. It’s a must.