The San Francisco 49ers are in an interesting situation right now.
They sit in first place in the NFC West with an 8-4 record with their starting quarterback, Jimmy Garoppolo, out due to a foot injury, yet they have the NFL’s best defense and some bona fide weapons on offense.
Some feel that even with Brock Purdy, who was the last player chosen in the 2022 NFL Draft, under center, the 49ers can reach the Super Bowl and possibly win it all.
But first things first – and that means taking care of the rest of the regular season.
San Francisco appears to have a manageable schedule remaining, and if it takes care of business, it could be in good shape heading into the postseason.
Week 14 vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
This game will mark a sort of homecoming for Tom Brady, who grew up in San Mateo, which is just minutes south of San Francisco, and grew up as a 49ers fan.
In fact, Brady idolized Joe Montana growing up.
The 45-year-old led an inspiring come-from-behind win on Monday against the New Orleans Saints, and he could very well have a strong game again, but the 49ers defense is hard to crack, while the Bucs offense has sputtered for much of the year.
"I'm telling you, Brock Purdy is gonna beat Tom Brady coming up on Sunday. The 49ers can absolutely run the table. … The dumbest thing you can do if you understand coaching, weapons, defense and sports is to eliminate the San Francisco 49ers."
—@AdamSchein on the @49ers 👀 pic.twitter.com/L9hoQZrYGY
— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) December 6, 2022
Prediction: 49ers win.
Week 15 at Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks are just one game behind the 49ers in the NFC West, and not too long ago, they were San Francisco’s most hated rival.
It will be Purdy’s first road game as a starter, which will be a big test for him, especially given the Seahawks’ rowdy fans.
Prediction: 49ers lose.
Week 16 vs. Washington Commanders
Washington has been playing solid ball lately, but its offense likely won’t be able to overcome San Francisco’s savage defense.
Prediction: 49ers win.
Week 17 at Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders are another team that has been playing better lately, but they still have plenty of issues, including the defensive side of the football and winning close games.
If Purdy plays well enough in this one, San Francisco should prevail.
Prediction: 49ers win.
Week 18 vs. Arizona Cardinals
The 49ers beat the Cardinals convincingly in Mexico during Week 11, and with Kyler Murray and company likely out of the playoff race, don’t expect a much different outcome this time around.
Prediction: 49ers win.
