49ers Face Three Difficult Tests After Their Bye

San Francisco’s game against the Las Vegas Raiders is expected to be a relatively manageable start to the second half of the season. The tougher stretch, as the 49ers come off their bye, includes three opponents with defenses or track records that could trouble them, the team’s outlook says.

The first is Minnesota, which San Francisco will meet in Week 11 in Mexico City. The Vikings’ defense, led by Brian Flores, is seen as the main threat. The 49ers have struggled against Flores’ schemes, and the assessment predicts a loss unless Minnesota quarterback Kyler Murray gives the ball away. It also points to the 49ers’ recent games against Denver and Seattle as preparation for strong defenses.

Seattle remains a difficult divisional opponent despite a recent defeat to Chicago. San Francisco’s offense had trouble moving the ball in its first meeting, while turnovers helped the 49ers win. The next matchup may depend on whether their offense can perform better, since the defense may not produce the same number of takeaways again.

The final major test is a road game against Kansas City at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs have not looked as dominant lately, but Patrick Mahomes, coach Andy Reid and defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo are cited as reasons they remain a tough opponent for San Francisco. The game is expected to come in December, when cold conditions could add another challenge.