During July, the Last Word On Sports NFL department will be analyzing the schedules of every team in the NFL and ranking each game in order of difficulty (with one being the most difficult). This series will be split into the eight most difficult games (ranked 1-8) and the eight easiest games (ranked 9-16) for each team. In this article, the San Francisco 49ers most difficult games are the focus.
San Francisco 49ers Most Difficult Games in 2017
1. Week Two at Seattle Seahawks
It has been more than three years since the last time the 49ers beat the Seattle Seahawks. Even worse, the 49ers have not won a game at Century Link Field since Jim Harbaugh was in his rookie season as head coach. History is not on the 49ers side. Not only that, but this game is in the second week of the season. Shanahan will still be implementing his new offensive system, while Seattle will deploy its fully developed defensive scheme. This game is a perfect storm of difficulty for the 49ers, making it the toughest on the schedule.
2. Week Six at Washington
Kirk Cousins may play for the 49ers in 2018. In 2017, however, he will be on a mission to put up the best statistics possible in order to receive a large contract. He especially will want to impress the 49ers, as that is the team for which he is linked the most. Couple that with the fact that this will be the third straight road game for the 49ers. That is a lot of travel to put on a young 49ers team. This game will also be an early start time on the east coast, putting the 49ers out of their element. The 49ers may play more talented teams than Washington, but the team will provide a more difficult challenge.
3. Week Seven vs. Dallas Cowboys
The most iconic moment in 49ers history, the Catch, happened against the Dallas Cowboys. 49ers fans should not expect to see anything close to as memorable of a moment in this week seven clash. The Cowboys are a very talented football team. They had the best record in the NFC last year for a reason. If Ezekiel Elliott is suspended, that could make this game slightly more interesting. However, the Dallas offensive line will probably neutralize a talented 49er defensive line, which will allow for any running back to have success.
4. Week One vs. Carolina Panthers
The 49ers will begin their season at home against the Carolina Panthers. With a rookie head coach in Kyle Shanahan, the 49ers will not have experience on their side. An incredibly physical Carolina front seven should make it difficult for the 49ers to run the ball. The 49ers have had success in past years in their opening game. That trend will be difficult to continue in 2017.
5. Week 10 vs. New York Giants
The New York Giants rode Odell Beckham Jr. and a very talented defense to a playoff berth in 2016. San Fran will have a tough time moving the ball against the New York defense. The addition of Brandon Marshall adds another dynamic wide receiver for New York. It will be very difficult for a young secondary to cover these wide receivers. Rashard Robinson and Ahkello Witherspoon have little to no starting experience at cornerback. Jimmie Ward will be in first year as the full-time free safety. This inexperience makes it a tough match-up for the 49ers.
6. Week 14 at Houston Texans
The 2016 Houston Texans won a playoff game despite suffering from awful quarterback play throughout the year. This is because their roster was incredibly talented outside of the quarterback position. Now, the Texans have DeShaun Watson. While Watson is a rookie, he possesses All-Pro talent. If he can showcase this talent in his rookie year, the Texans could have a special season. Regardless, it would be a tough match-up for the 49ers.
7. Week Four at Arizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals are not long removed from having played in the NFC Championship game. 2016 was an off year for the Cardinals. Carson Palmer did not look like the MVP candidate he showed he was in 2015. Despite this, Palmer and this Arizona squad are extremely talented. Bruce Arians is too good of a coach to have two consecutive disappointing seasons with such a talented roster. It is almost always harder to beat a team at home. It will be tough for the 49ers to knock off the home team in this match-up.
8. Week 12 vs. Seattle Seahawks
The second game played against the Seattle Seahawks in 2017 should be easier than the first. The 49ers will get their rival at home in Santa Clara, far from the boisterous Century Link Field in Seattle. The 49ers will be rested after their bye week. Having already played the Seahawks at this point, and being farther into the season, the 49ers will have a much better game plan this time around. That being said, Seattle is an incredibly good football team. Any match-up against them will be tough. If the 49ers are to knock off their rival, this would be their best chance.
Check Out the San Francisco 49ers Easiest Games of 2017
