Before the 2011 season began, theSan Francisco 49ershad a sense of optimism coupled with caution. With new head coach Jim Harbaugh at the helm, a talented team in a weak division set out a course for righting the ship.
After seven games, the 49ers have burst open the doors of theNFL's elite and announced their arrival.
With a 6-1 overall record, following their 20-10 victory in Week 8 over theCleveland Browns, the 49ers have the second-best record in the NFC. Their lone loss was an overtime shocker at home in Week 2 against the sameDallas Cowboysteam that recently got thumped by divisional rivalPhiladelphia Eagles.
And was it mentioned how bad the NFC West is? The Niners hold a four-game edge over the 2-5Seattle Seahawks, with the one-winArizona Cardinalsand St. LouisRamstrudging behind.
Hope has turned to higher expectations for the 49ers. With a mix of five divisional contests over the final nine games of 2011, let's go through regular-season games nine to 17 to see how San Francisco may stack up.
Week 9: San Francisco 49ers at Washington Redskins (Nov. 6)
John Beck is the new quarterback for the Washington Redskins, following the demotion of Rex Grossman.
Things are never easy forWashington Redskinshead coach Mike Shanahan, especially when you don't have John Elway.
It's a game of musical chairs on offense. John Beck is in at quarterback after Rex Grossman underperformed. Ryan Torain and Roy Helu take turns at tailback with the loss of offseason acquisition Tim Hightower to a knee injury for the season. And Santana Moss broke a bone in his hand and will miss the next five weeks.
Washington was 3-1 and atop the NFC East before a three-game losing streak of late. Its defense is stout, but the offense has to do more than the goose egg it put up in Week 8 against theBuffalo Bills.
The 49ers have proven their mettle in the Eastern time zone, and they'll rebound from a shaky post-bye week performance in a home victory over the Cleveland Browns.
Week 10: New York Giants at San Francisco 49ers (Nov. 13)
Running back Brandon Jacobs returns to the New York Giants backfield to complement Ahmad Bradshaw.
TheNew York Giants, like the Washington Redskins, started out 3-1 to tie for the NFC East lead, with the Philadelphia Eagles off to a shaky start. However, the G-Men have won back-to-back games and have enjoyed an easier schedule to this point.
Enter theNew England Patriotsoff a road loss to thePittsburgh Steelersin Week 9 in Foxboro before the 49ers at Candlestick. Then it's the resurgent Philadelphia Eagles, the high-octaneNew Orleans Saintsand the defending world championGreen Bay Packersto follow.
QuarterbackEli Manningis Jekyll and Hyde, great one week and head-scratching the next. Tailback Ahmad Bradshaw is a stud and is complemented by the bulldozingBrandon Jacobs. Throw in a receiving corps of Hakeem Nicks, Mario Manningham, Victor Cruz and Jake Ballard, and the offense has weapons abounding.
If the defense returns to its potential with Osi Umenyiora and Justin Tuck creating havoc, it's a long day for opposing quarterbacks.
But this game is at home for San Francisco, and it's seemed very comfortable there.
Week 11: Arizona Cardinals at San Francisco 49ers (Nov. 20)
Running back Beanie Wells is the key to the Arizona Cardinals offense.
The Arizona Cardinals can't defend, and after trading Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie to the Philadelphia Eagles for quarterback Kevin Kolb, they're near the bottom of the NFL in that department.
With running back Beanie Wells hobbled by knee problems and double teams to receiverLarry Fitzgerald, the offense looks stagnant under Kolb with no one to turn to.
Add that fact that the 49ers come in the middle of a three-game road trip for Arizona, and this seems bad for the Cardinals.
Week 12: San Francisco 49ers at Baltimore Ravens (Nov. 24)
San Francisco's Patrick Willis is a defensive superstar, but the Baltimore Ravens' Ray Lewis is his prototype.
TheBaltimore Ravenslost anemically to theJacksonville Jaguarsin Week 7. Their offense looked inept and both tailback Ray Rice and wideout Anquan Boldin got few touches. The Ravens defense held the Jags to four field goals, but that wasn't enough.
Words were said by leaders of the team that echoed loud and clear to the coaching staff and things were corrected on offense in Week 8.
Fact: The Ravens are a top-five defense, led by linebackerRay Lewisand safety Ed Reed. And they'll be at home. And it'll be brothers John and Jim Harbaugh going head-to-head. On Thanksgiving night.
The 49ers can't go undefeated the rest of the way. Baltimore is a nice benchmark before the playoffs.
Week 13: St. Louis Rams at San Francisco 49ers (Dec. 4)
Running back Steven Jackson of the St. Louis Rams would carry the offense on his back if he was asked to.
The St. Louis Rams did beat the New Orleans Saints in Week 8 to get their first victory and drop themselves down a notch in the "Suck for (Andrew) Luck" sweepstakes.
Running back Steven Jackson continues to remind the NFL that while he's been around for a bit, he is still a force to be reckoned with every week.
However, until quarterbackSam Bradfordgets back from his ankle injury and they repeat their defensive performance versus the Saints, the Rams are still whom we thought they were.
This is a nice rebound game for the 49ers at home following their Thanksgiving piece of humble pie against the Ravens.
Week 14: San Francisco 49ers at Arizona Cardinals (Dec. 11)
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Alex Smith will do just fine against a suspect Arizona Cardinals defense.
After playing the 49ers just three weeks earlier, the Arizona Cardinals may think they're ready for a home date versus San Francisco.
Unfortunately, coming off a home showdown with the Dallas Cowboys a week earlier, they may overestimate their ability to match up.
However, the 49ers may be looking ahead to the Pittsburgh Steelers the following week at home on Monday Night Football .
This one is close, but the 49ers' defense saves the day.
Week 15: Pittsburgh Steelers at San Francisco 49ers (Dec. 19)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has his offense clicking on all cylinders.
The Pittsburgh Steelers took down the New England Patriots at home in Week 8. The Baltimore Ravens come to Heinz Field in Week 9 on Sunday Night Football . The Steelers get a Sunday night date with theKansas City Chiefsand a Thursday night divisional showdown with Cleveland Browns before their Monday Night party with the 49ers at the 'Stick.
They'll be plenty ready for a prime-time fight.
The 49ers will play well for a national audience at home, and they'll get a good idea of where they stand with the league's elite.
However, quarterback Ben Roethlisbergerhas too many receiving weapons and the Steel Curtain defense part deux is pretty good. For examples, see Pittburgh's Ike Taylor blanketing New England'sWes Welkerin Week 8.
Week 16: San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks (Dec. 24)
Quarterback Tavaris Jackson is the Seattle Seahawks' best hope against the 49ers.
What's better than a Christmas Eve game in the great Northwest? Lots of things, actually.
The Seattle Seahawks can slow down the run, but it'll come down to how much can they run on the San Francisco 49ers. Probably not much.
This divisional game could be a knock-down, drag-out fight, with head coach Pete Carroll having some tricks up his sleeve.
But 'tis the season to be merry. The 49ers will be feeling festive enough to play tough and grind this one out after the Seahawks will have been pushed around by theChicago Bearsat Solider Field the week before.
Week 17: San Francisco 49ers at St. Louis Rams (Jan. 1)
San Francisco 49ers tight end Vernon Davis will look to have a stronger second half.
New Year's Day in St. Louis could be a trap game of sorts.
The Rams will likely be playing spoiler in terms of seeding, but won't have much of a fight following a slugfest against the Pittsburgh Steelers on the road the week before.
This game may mean a first-round bye, so the 49ers will have their foot on the gas pedal for the entire season, all the way to the end.
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