National Football League

Predicting Every 49ers Game in 2016

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 11:29 p.m. ET

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Sep 1, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers head coach Chip Kelly looks on from the sideline during the second half of the game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. San Francisco won 31-21. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports

The 49ers begin the 2016 season with few expecting them to contend, but can they surprise under Chip Kelly, here we predict every game.

The San Francisco 49ers kick off the 2016 season on Monday night as they take on the Los Angeles Rams in their first game under Chip Kelly.

Despite possessing a much-improved coaching staff, very little is expected of a San Francisco team that has a number of holes on its roster.

But 49ers fans can afford to have room for optimism, San Francisco’s offensive line is significantly better than it was in 2015 and the defensive line and the secondary boast plenty of young talent.

The lack of playmakers on offense, Carlos Hyde aside, presents a significant challenge for Kelly, who will have to work with mediocre quarterback play from Blaine Gabbert and Colin Kaepernick, should the latter see the field at all.

However, the 49ers averaged 184.2 yards per game on the ground in preseason and – though maintaining such production in the regular season is very unlikely – if Kelly can engineer sustained success for Hyde and the other tailbacks on the roster, San Francisco should be considerably more competitive than in 2015.

Here we predict the result of every 49ers game in 2016.

Aug 27, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Case Keenum (17) makes a call at the line of scrimmage over center Tim Barnes (61) in the first quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Week 1 vs. Los Angeles Rams – WIN

The 49ers are at home, and this may be one of the few occasions this season where Levi’s Stadium is full before apathy sets in among sections of the fanbase.

San Francisco rose to the occasion in front of a raucous home crowd in a Monday night opener with the Minnesota Vikings, who are a much better team than the Rams.

The Rams possess great talent on defense in Aaron Donald and Robert Quinn and have a dynamic offensive threat in running back Todd Gurley, but the 49ers stymie both on this occasion.

Indeed, the improvements made on both sides of the trenches will be evident for all to see in Week 1, with the O-Line paving the way for Carlos Hyde to replicate his heroics of last year’s opener and the D-Line creating havoc for Case Keenum.

San Francisco is better than Los Angeles in a number of areas, including at quarterback – yes Blaine Gabbert is superior to Keenum – and the Niners will have enough to chalk up a win in Kelly’s debut.

Sep 8, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) does his Superman pose as he celebrates his second quarter touchdown with running back Jonathan Stewart (28) against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Week 2 @ Carolina Panthers – LOSS

The last time the 49ers played in Charlotte, they were significantly better than the Panthers and proved it with a relatively comfortable playoff win.

Things have changed rapidly since 2014 and things are stacked in Carolina’s favor for the Panthers to exact revenge upon San Francisco.

The 49ers are playing on a short week and have a cross-country journey to contend with, while the Panthers will have had well over week to prepare and go into the game angry following the dramatic Week 1 loss to the Denver Broncos.

San Francisco’s run defense is not the force it was in 2013 and is not in a position to stop the dual-threat phenomenon that is Cam Newton.

Expect Cam to run riot in an easy win for Carolina.

Sep 1, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Seattle Seahawks running back Troymaine Pope (26) celebrates with quarterback Russell Wilson (3) after scoring a touchdown Oakland Raiders during the fourth quarter at Oakland Coliseum. The Seattle Seahawks defeated the Oakland Raiders 23-21. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

Week 3 @ Seattle Seahawks – LOSS

Ouch. The schedule gods have not been kind in handing the 49ers a trip to the Pacific northwest on the back of the cross-country trek to Charlotte, and the outcome will be a familiar one for Niners fans.

San Francisco has not won in Seattle since 2011, rolling over in every game since, save for the gut-wrenching NFC Championship game loss in 2014.

Kelly will not coach scared as Jim Tomsula did in last season’s corresponding fixture, but Russell Wilson and Co. are used to dissecting the 49ers defense while shutting down the offense and there is little to suggest the Niners will be able to stop them from doing so again.

Aug 25, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) passes against the Seattle Seahawks during the first half of an NFL football game at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Week 4 vs. Dallas Cowboys – WIN

Prepare for a good, old-fashioned shootout between the 49ers and Cowboys.

Dallas is sure to be the heavy favorite and has the weapons to pile the points on the 49ers with Ezekiel Elliot and Dez Bryant playing starring roles on offense.

But the Cowboys defense finished 19th in Football Outsiders DVOA last year and has been hit by a series of suspensions ahead of the new season.

With Dallas making a long-road trip and Kelly being more than familiar with game-planning for its defense, this is a favorable situation for the Niners offense, even with Gabbert commanding it.

The 49ers keep pace with the Cowboys and pull this one out in a thriller.

Aug 28, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Arizona Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians on the sideline during the fourth quarter against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. The Texans won 34-24. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Week 5 vs. Arizona Cardinals – LOSS

The 49ers were unfortunate not to claim a shock home win over the Cardinals in 2015, a series of questionable decisions going against them in a 19-13 defeat.

However, this is a Cardinals team that has improved again, with a defense that has little regard for the 49ers offense bolstered by the additions of Chandler Jones and Robert Nkemdiche.

This game comes on another short week for the 49ers and the defense figures to be especially tired having been tested by a talented Cowboys team.

Expect the Cardinals to take advantage and record a Thursday night victory.

Aug 20, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Tyrod Taylor (5) is chased by New York Giants defensive end Olivier Vernon (54) from the pocket during the first half at New Era Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

Week 6 @ Buffalo Bills – LOSS

San Francisco will at least have plenty of time to prepare for another cross-country trip this time, but the Kelly sceptics will start to make their voices heard after defeat in Orchard Park.

This will be something of a revenge game for Bills offensive coordinator Greg Roman, who was one of the scapegoats in the 49ers final season under Jim Harbaugh.

Roman’s attack, led by Tyrod Taylor, LeSean McCoy and Sammy Watkins, should prove too much for what is likely to be an up-and-down defense struggling to deal with the 10am PST start as the Niners drop to 2-4.

Aug 26, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) points and calls a play against the Cleveland Browns during the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Week 7 vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – WIN

The Buccaneers will be well rested coming off the bye and traveled well last year, claiming three of their six wins on the road.

Tampa Bay will be hoping Jameis Winston can continue to develop under Dirk Koetter and the Bucs have made moves to address their defense by drafting cornerback Vernon Hargeaves III and edge rusher Noah Spence.

Still, the 49ers remain a tough nut to crack at home and this is a game where Gabbert and their receivers can take advantage of a Tampa Bay pass defense that ranked No. 26 in the league last season, per Football Outsiders.

Sep 1, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) scrambles away from pressure during the first quarter of the game against the Baltimore Ravens at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports

Week 9 vs. New Orleans Saints – WIN

San Francisco did not win back-to-back games once last season, that changes under Kelly, who is able to make the most of a matchup against another susceptible defense as the Niners record another victory coming off the bye.

The last four meetings between the 49ers and Saints, including the postseason classic back in 2012, have all been decided by 10 points or less.

Three of those games have gone to the 49ers and it is home field that makes the difference in this one as San Francisco moves to 4-4.

Jan 24, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson (31) runs the ball during the second quarter against the Carolina Panthers in the NFC Championship football game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

Week 10 @ Arizona Cardinals – LOSS

The 49ers visit the scene of last year’s Colin Kaepernick meltdown and, though it would be a surprise to see the 49ers on the end of another 47-7 defeat, victory for San Francisco in the desert remains unlikely, regardless of who is playing quarterback.

In midseason form, the Cardinals figure to be too much for the 49ers to contend with in a two-horse race with the Seahawaks for the NFC West title.

Expect the Cardinals to comfortably chalk up what would be a fifth win is six meetings with the 49ers.

Sep 1, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) before game against New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports

Week 11 vs. New England Patriots – LOSS

San Francisco does have some things in its favor in this matchup. The Patriots will making a cross-country trip on the back of a tough home clash with the Seahawks and Chip Kelly got the better of Bill Belichick last season.

But, playing in a stadium 25 miles from his hometown of San Mateo, and on a personal revenge mission after serving his four-game ban, it is extremely difficult to bet against Tom Brady and the Patriots.

New England rolls and the 49ers drop to 4-6.

Dec 27, 2015; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jarvis Landry (14) against the Indianapolis Colts during the second half at Sun Life Stadium. The Colts won 18-12. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Week 12 @ Miami Dolphins – WIN

You want a team to get back on track against, here’s the 2016 Miami Dolphins.

The 49ers may be traveling cross country again, but this is a team they should be able to exploit.

Much like San Francisco, the Dolphins are dealing with below-average quarterback play. And, while they have talent at receiver and should be better on the offensive line, this is team with nothing at running back and a vulnerable secondary.

The Niners will have their hands full with a talented Miami defensive line but come through on this occasion to move to 5-6.

Dec 6, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Torrey Smith (82) runs with the ball during a 71 yard game winning touchdown pass reception with Chicago Bears defensive back Chris Prosinski (31) pursuing during the overtime period at Soldier Field. San Francisco won 26-20 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

Week 13 @ Chicago Bears – WIN

The only road win San Francisco chalked up last season came in overtime against the Chicago Bears.

Yes, the Bears spurned a number of opportunities to emerge victorious in that encounter but Chicago is no better than it was in 2015.

Jay Cutler remains Jay Cutler, Jeremy Langford is the Bears’ best running threat and Alshon Jeffery has shown himself to be an injury-prone wide receiver.

The Bears have added Danny Trevathan at linebacker, but the 49ers hung 26 points on a team whose defense ranked No. 31 in the NFL last season, per Football Outsiders, and take advantage of that group again to get back to .500.

Jan 3, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Brandon Marshall (15) celebrates his touchdown catch against the Buffalo Bills during the first half at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

Week 14 vs. New York Jets – LOSS

San Francisco powered to a 34-0 victory in the Meadowlands the last time the 49ers faced the Jets.

But if any team is going to be recording a shutout this time around, it is the Jets.

This could be something of a revenge game for 49ers cornerback Jimmie Ward, who had a nightmare against then-Bears receiver Brandon Marshall in Week 2 in 2014.

It is unlikely Marshall will enjoy a three-touchdown game as he did that evening, but he and Eric Decker should cause plenty of problems for the 49ers defense.

On the other side of the ball, this figures to be one of the tougher defenses Kelly will have to game plan for and he will not do so successfully.

Dec 20, 2015; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) during the second half at EverBank Field. Atlanta Falcons defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars 23-17. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Week 15 @ Atlanta Falcons – LOSS

The 49ers have had the Falcons number in recent seasons, recording three straight wins over Atlanta.

That run ends here.

San Francisco was extremely fortunate to earn a one-point win over Atlanta at Levi’s Stadium and will have its hands full defending one of the best receivers in the league in Julio Jones against a Falcons team playing their penultimate regular-season game at the Georgia Dome.

Aug 13, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; A general view of the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum during the fourth quarter between the Los Angeles Rams and the Dallas Cowboys Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

Week 16 @ Los Angeles Rams – WIN

With the 49ers officially condemned to another non-winning season,they will be competing with the Rams not to finish last in the NFC West.

And they secure third place by clinching a sweep of Los Angeles on Christmas Eve at the Coliseum.

The 49ers game comes inbetween a road meeting with the Seahawks and a season finale against the Cardinals in what is an arduous second half of the campaign for the Rams.

San Francisco takes care of business against a weary Los Angeles team that should be looking for a new coach at the end of 2016.

Oct 22, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett (16) celebrates with teammates after a touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers during the second quarter at Levi

Week 17 vs. Seattle Seahawks – LOSS

It’s feasible that the Seahawks will rest players for the season finale, but their roster remains much deeper than that of the 49ers and Seattle will not want to go into the postseason on the back of a defeat.

The Seahawks will again sweep the 49ers but the manner of the victory should be much less emphatic with Kelly at the helm and not Jim Tomsula.

The 49ers, despite all their doubters, make progress under Kelly and finish the season a respectable 7-9.

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