49ers Face a Favorable Run After Their Bye
The 6-1 San Francisco 49ers begin the second half of their season against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 9, with several opponents viewed as winnable. The team is targeting at least 13 victories.
San Francisco returns from its bye week in the NFC’s top-seed position after opening the season 6-1. Its only loss came against Atlanta, in a cross-country game played on a short week. The remaining schedule includes several matchups the 49ers could use to build on their strong start.
The Raiders visit in Week 9 after dropping four of their previous five games. San Francisco then travels to Dallas, where it has won four straight meetings with the Cowboys. The most recent game between the teams in Texas ended 23-17 in the 49ers’ favor.
A home game against Minnesota follows. Coach Kyle Shanahan has yet to beat Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell in two meetings, making that matchup a potential challenge despite San Francisco’s roster advantage. In Week 13, the 49ers visit the Giants, now led by John Harbaugh. The matchup also brings concern about the MetLife Stadium playing surface, which has been linked to injuries involving several 49ers players.
The schedule later takes San Francisco to the Chargers, who are 0-7, and includes a home game against Philadelphia. The Eagles are 2-6 and will be without Jalen Hurts for the rest of the season. The 49ers close at Arizona in Week 18.
A 13-4 finish is presented as an achievable target. The toughest remaining tests are expected to come from two NFC West rivals and Kansas City; Shanahan has not beaten Chiefs coach Andy Reid.
Players: Jalen Hurts