Today we continue the breakdown of 2018 non-division opponents for the NFC West with the San Francisco 49ers. The 49ers closed the season winning 6 of 7, but still finished last in the division.
Like other NFC West teams, the 49ers will play the AFC West and the NFC North in 2018. Due to their last place finish, they will also be playing a road game against the last place NF South team and a home game against the last place NFC East team.
Let’s do this.
49ers 2018 non-division opponents
HOME: Raiders, Broncos, Bears, Lions, Giants
AWAY: Chargers, Chiefs, Packers, Vikings, Buccaneers
Top 5 matchups
5. At Minnesota Vikings
The 49ers have had really bad luck against the Vikings in Minnesota recently, having lost 5 straight with some coming in heartbreaking fashion (Brett Favre 2009). The Vikings are one of the best teams in football, but their quarterback situation is up in the air. This will still be their toughest test of the season.
4. Vs Denver Broncos
I’m still angry about 2010, losing a home game against a legendary rival to the slimy Brits. However, I am happy that I will finally be going to a regular season against the Denver Broncos, even though the Broncos are an absolutely terrible team. I was in high school the last time the Broncos played at the 49ers. Now I’ll be 32 with grey hair, four kids, and kidney stones.
3. At Kansas City Chiefs
The 49ers lost their last 2 games in Kansas City by a combined score of 72-10. The Faithful remembers, even if most of the people on the 49ers don’t. The Chiefs new quarterback Patrick Mahomes won his only start last year and looked both great and terrible throughout the game. Nonetheless, the 49ers have their work cut out for them.
2. At Green Bay Packers
The established superstar in Aaron Rodgers vs the up-and-comer Jimmy Garoppolo. Unlike in years past, the 49ers have stability throughout their organization, while the Packers made wholesale changes throughout their staff this past offseason. Should be a shootout with two of the best franchises in the history of the sport.
1. Vs Oakland Raiders
Duh. What else could it be? This will be the last time the 49ers and Raiders play as the two Bay Area teams as their next meeting will be in Vegas. There is a lot of bad blood between these teams and it is the shame the Raiders have to move away. Both teams finished 6-10 last year, but moved in opposite directions to get there. Hopefully the last Bay Area rivalry game is a good one.
