49ers NFL schedule: Too-soon win/loss predictions for 2022
By Peter Panacy
49ers win/loss predictions: Home games
The 49ers were on the road for the NFL’s first-ever 17th game of a regular-season, meaning they’ll get the extra home game this year.
After predicting a 4-2 NFC West record in 2022, let’s take a further look at the Niners’ remaining home bouts on the NFL schedule.
49ers vs. Chiefs
A rematch of Super Bowl LIV?
Yes, San Francisco would love to enact some vengeance here. But there’s no reason to suspect quarterback Patrick Mahomes, tight end Travis Kelce and wide receiver Tyreek Hill slow down after their own disappointing conference-championship exit.
And if Kansas City’s defense is even modestly as good as it was during the second half of 2021, it’ll be problematic for the 49ers.
Prediction vs. Chiefs: Loss
49ers vs. Chargers
The AFC West could take over as the league’s toughest division, and Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert is a big reason why.
The Bolts still have a lot of problems to figure out this offseason, namely fixing the league’s fourth-worst scoring defense. But Herbert masks a lot of those problems anyway.
If this game was on the road, we’d chalk it up to a loss. Since it’s at home, though, let’s predict the Niners win a shootout.
Prediction vs. Chargers: Win
49ers vs. Dolphins
A highly anticipated reunion between San Francisco and its former offensive coordinator, now-Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel. That’ll be fun.
McDaniel knows Kyle Shanahan. Shanahan knows McDaniel. Both will try to exploit that.
The 49ers are, however, pound-for-pound better than Miami, though. Should be an easy victory.
Prediction vs. Dolphins: Win
49ers vs. Saints
The Saints actually travel to the Bay Area for a change, but they’re in the shadow of retired head coach Sean Payton, massively over the salary cap (almost $76 million) and don’t have a clear-cut answer at quarterback.
Prediction vs. Saints: Win
49ers vs. Buccaneers
No quarterback Tom Brady? No problem.
Well, sort of. The Buccaneers could still feature plenty of offensive weapons and an elite offensive line. Their defense, while aging and questionable within the secondary, is still good, too.
Still, if the Bucs don’t land a clear-cut successor to Brady this offseason, they’ll be in some trouble.
Prediction vs. Buccaneers: Win
49ers vs. Commanders
Chalk the Commanders up to being another one of those teams in need of a quarterback this offseason. While Taylor Heinicke impressed modestly over the course of the year, he’s little more than a stopgap option.
Like so many teams thus far on this list, Washington will pose a significantly greater threat if it lands a proven signal-caller. If not, it’ll have to rely on what’ll look to be a rebounding defense to get by.
Defenses travel, but a cross-country trip could make that challenging.
Prediction vs. Commanders: Win