49ers schedule: Initial win/loss predictions for the 2023 season

Week 15: Sunday, December 17, at Arizona, 4:05 PM ET/1:05 PT

By this point in the season the Cardinals are likely to have nothing to play for while the 49ers might still need a push for a top seed or maybe even the division.

If Seattle is nipping at their heels, sweeping both non-Seahawks teams will be imperative.

49ers' W

Record: 11-3

Week 16: Monday, December 25, vs Baltimore, 8:15 PM ET/5:15 PM PT

The Lamar Jackson Saga worked out for the Ravens’ quarterback and so Baltimore is primed for a run at a very loaded AFC.

Jackson isn’t just back, his quiver is full of weapons to throw to and that add to the potency of the running game with newly signed wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr joining Rashod Bateman, tight end Mark Andrews, and fellow new additions in rookie Zay Flowers and free agent pickup Nelson Agholor to give Jackson his best set of pass catchers he’s had since joining the league.

Add to that group the presence of running back JK Dobbins and the threat of Jackson himself as a ball carrier and you’ve got the makings of quite a potent offense.

The defense, while not at the level of top Ravens’ defenses of the past, still has good pieces with cornerback Marlon Humphrey and linebackers Roquan Smith and Patrick Queen manning their positions.

The benefit of this one is it’s a 49ers home game, but the matchup against Jackson is the type of quarterback the Niners’ defense has struggled with in the past. It could be close, but the 49ers might see the loss in this one.

49ers' L

Record: 11-4