Predicting the first loss for 8 remaining undefeated NFL teams
San Francisco 49ers
Weeks 1-3: at Buccaneers (31-17), at Bengals (41-17), vs. Steelers (24-20)
If you were writing the book on how the San Francisco 49ers were going to start the 2019 NFL season with a 3-0 record, you would likely say that Jimmy Garoppolo would return and look dominant in Kyle Shanahan’s offense. However, Jimmy G has ultimately been pedestrian at best to start the year. And yet, the Niners are now undefeated as they go into their Week 4 bye.
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San Francisco’s defense has been fantastic to start the year. A secondary that was supposedly going to be a problem for the 49ers has been creating turnovers in a big way to start the year, really fueling the defense and putting the offense in a great position. On top of that, the run game, even with Tevin Coleman injured, has been highly effective in controlling the action.
Things are looking up for the 49ers with the defense playing this way. If Garoppolo and the offense can start to get into a rhythm in the passing game, this San Francisco team could very well be a surprise playoff contender out of the NFC West. Of course, they aren’t going to stay perfect.
With injuries slowing down the Niners, particularly with cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon right now, this team could have some troubles. And a Week 5 matchup against a likely desperate Cleveland Browns team could be problematic. I expect Cleveland to start righting the ship soon enough and that will ultimately begin by knocking off the 3-0 Niners.
First Loss: Week 5 vs. Browns