Breaking Down the Week By Week Schedule of the 2009 49ers

As OTAs wrap up and with preseason within the five-month horizon, the San Francisco 49ers could have as many question marks surrounding their team as any other club in the league.

Concerns about personnel and exactly who will comprise the starting lineups come Sept. 13th in Glendale, AZ, as well as whether or not the offseason coaching decisions will pan out, loom large for 49er fans.

Throughout the league, wins are the bottom line, with San Francisco being no different--especially in light of new team President Jed York's expectation for a perennial playoff contender. The team has flirted with the .500 mark several times in the last few seasons, but climbing that mountain has proved to be a difficult task.

The good news for the 49ers is the finished last season on a high note, and their ability to carry the momentum they gained from the two-game winning streak that wrapped up the year will be crucial to 2009. With only 16 games on an NFL slate, starting slow out of the gates can kill a team's playoff hopes.

Under new Head Coach Mike Singletary, the team learned how to win on the road, pulling out a  10-3 gut-check in Buffalo in Week 13 that was their first win in the Eastern time zone in seemingly ages, and scoring a Week 16 come-from-behind win in St. Louis.

The turning point for the 49ers was likely Week 14, when they held off the New York Jets at Candlestick Park at a time when the Jets and Brett Favre were all the craze in the NFL. That game not only showed Singletary could prepare his team for prime opposition, but also likely the beginning of the end for Eric Mangini and Favre in the Big Apple.

But along with the standard roster and coaching concerns, come scheduling challenges.

One of the most important factors in a team's playoff chances is the schedule it is dealt by the NFL.

San Francisco has seven games against 2008 playoff teams; another '09 opponent, Chicago, was 9-7 last year and missed out on the postseason on the last day of the regular season.

The team travels to the far East coast only once, a Dec. 20 meeting with Philadelphia. The remainder of their travel is mostly centered in the Mid-West and with their NFC West rivals.

Two prime-time games are slated--both at home--with a Thursday night game against Chicago on Nov. 14th and Arizona coming to town for a Monday Night tilt on Dec. 14th.

Following is a look at the entire regular season schedule, with a look at the important matchups and what the keys will be to a 49er victory. Obviously, a lot will happen between now and the regular season that could change the outlook of these matchups, but there are few roster moves remaining that could drastically alter the lines Las Vegas will put out for them.

WEEK 1: SEPTEMBER 13TH @ ARIZONA

The battle for NFC West supremacy starts right out of the gates, with San Francisco returning to the desert, where their luck hasn't been good in recent seasons.

Despite their Super Bowl loss this past February, the Cardinals will be carrying a lot of momentum and swagger into the 2009 season. Assuming Anquan Boldin is still in town (all indications are that he will be), Kurt Warner and the gang will be looking to shred the NFC West through the air yet again.

The key matchup will be the 49ers corners, mainly Nate Clements, Tarrell Brown and Dre Bly trying to contain the play-making machine that is Larry Fitzgerald, Boldin and Steve Breaston.

The 49ers were two yards short of upsetting Arizona in the desert last year, so a win is definitely within the grasp of an improved 49ers unit. However, Ken Whisenhunt made dramatic strides with this team late in the year and the improvement is likely to continue.

Winnable game, but a loss is more likely.

WEEK 2: SEPTEMBER 20TH VS. SEATTLE

Whether Seattle quarterback Matt Hasselbeck has returned to form will be a big factor in the San Francisco-Seattle series in 2009. If not, the 49ers will be in position to take two from the Seahawks.

Seattle still maintains a tough defense with a very solid linebacking corps, which includes rookie first-round pick Aaron Curry. The key matchup for this game will be the 49ers' line against the Seattle pass-rush, which has wreaked all sorts of havoc on San Francisco in recent years, including the season ending hit of Alex Smith in 2007.

If the 49ers o-line can keep the quarterback on two feet and open holes to run through, San Francisco should be in control of this game.

But considering both teams traded home losses in '08, anything can happen.

Very winnable game for San Francisco.

WEEK 3: SEPTEMBER 27TH @ MINNESOTA

The biggest question mark for the Vikings right now is at quarterback; unfortunately for the 49ers, they have the same question mark, and a less stellar defense than the Vikes.

Minnesota is parallel to San Francisco in many ways, however they tend to still outclass them in those similar areas. As good as Frank Gore is, Adrian Peterson was already being viewed as the best back in the league as a rookie, and Patrick Willis probably won't be enough to stop him in Week 3.

Better chances would exist at Candlestick Park, but the 49ers would still be the underdog. In Minneapolis inside the dome, it's probably too much to ask of the young squad.

Likely loss for San Francisco.

WEEK 4: OCTOBER 4TH VS. ST. LOUIS

Last year brought about a little deja vu for 49er fans, as they got back to dominating the Rams the way long-time fans are accustomed to. a new coaching hire and some solid drafting isn't likely to change that anytime soon.

The matchup to watch in this game will be the 49ers' linebackers against running back Steven Jackson. if they can slow him down, it will enable the pass rush, mainly Justin Smith, Parys Haralson and Manny Lawson, to try exploit Jason Smith, the rookie tackle the Rams drafted to replace Orlando Pace.

It will probably be too much to ask of the young Rams squad to stroll into San Francisco and steal a game from what should be an upstart 49er team.

Likely victory for San Francisco.

WEEK 5: OCTOBER 11TH VS. ATLANTA

Working in the 49ers favor will be the fact that their Week 5 game with the Falcons will be the second home game in a row; on paper, not much else works out in their favor.

With a very promising second-year man under center, one of the top backs in the league and Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez added to the already talented receiving corps, the Falcons have plenty of weapons at their disposal coming off their playoff season in 2008.

This will be the first true test for the 49er defense in terms of defending the pass; will they be able to contain the likes of Gonzalez and and Roddy White, or will Matt Ryan have a field day on the 49er secondary? Even if the pass is contained, they still have to worry about 2008 fantasy icon Michael Turner running wild.

If the 49ers can limit the potent Falcon offense, it will be an indication of great things to come. Unfortunately, it may be too much, too soon to ask the Niner defense.

Likely loss for the 49ers.

WEEK 6: OCTOBER 18TH, BYE

WEEK 7: OCTOBER 25TH AT HOUSTON

While Houston isn't the most formidable team on the 49ers' schedule, the bye week comes at the right time, as San Francisco will likely be coming off a tough game against Atlanta, and the time off to prepare for the Texans' dangerous pass rush will come in handy.

Houston is similar to the 49ers in that they are a team that has been dancing near the .500 mark in recent seasons, and each year feel it's their turn to contend for the playoffs.

They might have found their back of the future in former West Virginia star Steve Slaton, who posted 1282 yards last season as a rookie. But if they continue to get inconsistent play out of quarterback Matt Schaub, they could be spending another January at home.

The 49ers proved that they could win these type of road games last year, and barring a major setback, should be able to continue that trend in '09.

If the 49ers can shut down all-world wide out Andre Johnson, or at least contain him, they should be able to keep Houston's offense in check and control the ball on offense by way of Frank Gore. Look for the 49ers to double-cover Johnson and hammer the ball with Gore 30-plus times.

Very winnable road-game for San Francisco.

WEEK 8: NOVEMBER 1ST @ INDIANAPOLIS

This is where 49er fans start to find out if their team is a contender or pretender.

No matter what the team's record is coming into Indy, expectations for the 49ers will be low in this game.

Difficulties containing Peyton Manning, stopping the rushing attack (which just added heralded rookie Donald Brown in the draft), and finding an answer to their pass rush will only be amplified trying to do it on the road.

This could be the first ugly loss of the year for San Francisco, and while moral victories don't exist with Coach Singletary, playing the Colts tough will show the 49ers are no longer easy prey for the NFL's elite.

Chalk this up as a loss.

WEEK 9: NOVEMBER 8TH VS. TENNESSEE

Despite returning home, it doesn't get any easier in Week 9 as the Titans, the top-seeded AFC team in last year's playoffs, come to town.

Marching into Candlestick with them will be the two-headed monster consisting of running backs LenDale White and Chris Johnson, with the latter carrying a chip on his shoulder after being snubbed for NFL Rookie of the Year honors in 2008.

This game will show how far Greg Manusky's defensive unit has come. Stopping the Titan's rushing attack will be nearly impossible, containing it could open the door for the Niners to steal this game at home.

The matchup here will be White and Johnson vs. Willis and Takeo Spikes. If they can slow down the Titan backs and the 49ers' offense can avoid the three-and-out, San Francisco has a chance. Unfortunately, not a very large one.

Winnable game, but more likely a loss.

WEEK 10: THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12TH VS. CHICAGO

With the 49ers getting only four days rest before their Thursday night affair with the Bears, the outcome of this game could depend largely on their ability to come out of the Tennessee game healthy.

Considering the physical style of football the Titans play--which Singletary has made clear he plans to implement--San Francisco is likely to come into this game banged up.

As such, the 49ers depth will be tested in Week 10.

Will the back up running backs, lineman, and linebackers be able to pick up some slack? If so, San Francisco could pull this one out.

Chicago's acquisition of quarterback Jay Cutler makes them better than last season on paper, but he proved in Denver that he could hurl the ball all over the field and still not get his team to the playoffs. In Chicago, his receivers only get worse.

Considering what the Bears gave up to acquire Cutler, it's highly unlikely they will be dealing for a prized receiver any time soon.

The real concern for the 49ers will be Matt Forte, who emerged in 2008 as the first quality back the Bears had drafted since Neal Anderson. If Willis, Spike and company can shut Forte down, they should be able to keep Cutler in check.

This game could go either way, but if the 49ers can maintain their health in Week 9, they could win this game.

WEEK 11: NOVEMBER 22ND @ GREEN BAY

In San Francisco, you have a team theoretical on the upswing. In Green Bay, you have a team two years removed from an NFC Championship appearance that went 6-10 last year.

By Week 11, fans will have a much better idea on the direction either team is headed.

Like most of the league, San Francisco has never had much luck at Lambeau Field. Barring a continued regression on the part of the Packers, the 49ers' luck probably won't change in 2009.

They seem to match up well on paper, but the home field advantage at Lambeau can't be understated. Only dominant teams come into Green Bay and take care of business, and the 49ers aren't in that category yet.

The ten days off following the Thursday night game will help, as would a stellar performance by the 49er secondary against a stacked Packer receiver corps that includes Donald Driverand Greg Jennings.

But while it's not completely out of the question, chances are the 49ers will pick up a loss in Week 11.

WEEK 12: NOVEMBER 29TH VS. JACKSONVILLE

Only two seasons ago, Jacksonville looked poised break through the upper ranks of the NFL.

Instead, they stumbled to a 5-11 record in 2008 and had to regroup in the offseason.

The key to this game rests squarely on Maurice Jones-Drew's shoulders. Stop him, and the 49ers come out on top.

The Jags still don't have a real threat at receiver, and David Garrard was rather mediocre last season. Fred Taylor is no longer there to share the load with Jones-Drew, leaving him as the lone proven playmaker on the Jags offense.

Bay Area native "MJD" will probably have some extra motivation on his side when he takes the field in San Francisco, but an improving 49ers' defense should be able to stuff that motivation and force Garrard to beat them through the air, which won't happen.

The trip west won't help matters for Jacksonville either.

Likely victory for San Francisco.

WEEK 13: DECEMBER 6TH @ SEATTLE

Late in the season, this contest could have division title or wild-card ramifications, depending on the kind of improvement both teams have made.

As in their first meeting, San Francisco's ability to keep the pass rush at bay will be an important factor, but even more critical will be the 49ers rushing attack.

The 49ers will need to rely heavily and Frank Gore to carry the load and keep the pressure off the quarterback and linemen in the notoriously loud and hostile Qwest Field. If San Francisco falls behind and has to throw the ball to stay in the game, chances are whoever is under center will be under duress and the line will chalk up plenty of false-start penalties.

Establish Gore early, and the 49ers could ride him to victory.

The outcome could go either way.

WEEK 14: MONDAY, DECEMBER 14TH VS. ARIZONA

If all is right in San Francisco, this game will be for the NFC West title.

A two-yard fullback dive in the final seconds of last year's game at Arizona wound up being the difference between 8-8 and the playoffs and 7-9 and the 10th pick in the draft. Basically, these teams weren't that far off in the regular season.

If San Francisco is improved like they should be, this should be their game for the taking.

They'll need a complete game on defense, but what is going to win it for the 49ers will be error free football on offense--which as we all know also includes the coaches on the sidelines.

If the offense can produce and keep the Arizona passing attack off the field, it should be a coming out party for the 49ers in the national spotlight.

Winnable game for San Francisco.

WEEK 15: DECEMBER 20TH @ PHILADELPHIA

Regardless of whether San Francisco pulls it off in Week 14, hopes shouldn't be high for 49er fans in Week 15.

Having to make their longest trip of the season, on a short week, against one of the top teams in the NFC adds up to a loss in this one.

San Francisco's best chance will be to contain the Eagles' running game and hope for an implosion from Donavan McNabb (not completely out of the question).

The 49ers don't fare too well in Philly, and that won't change in '09.

Chalk up a loss in Week 15.

WEEK 16: DECEMBER 27TH VS. DETROIT

The NFL delivers a present in time for the holidays to the 49ers in Week 16, but not only keeping them at home but sending the first ever 0-16 team to face them.

Detroit can only get better than last year, which included a 31-13 embarrassment at Candlestick last season, but the rebuilding effort will take much longer than 15 games.

As long as San Francisco plays steady on both sides of the ball, and assuming they are chasing a playoff spot, they should handle the Lions with ease.

Probably the easiest game of the year for San Francisco.

WEEK 17: JANUARY 3RD AT ST. LOUIS

When Jed York spoke last year of no longer ending seasons in December, he probably wasn't referring to a January 3rd regular season finale with the Rams.

But, with the 49ers likely to be a middle-of-the-pack NFC team clawing and scratching its way toward a playoff berth, this game could determine whether they play further into January.

If that is the case, the 49ers will want to avoid the same fate as the '08 Bears team that saw its playoff hopes vanish in the final week of the season.

The 49ers should enter this game a favorite, but nothing is guaranteed, especially considering that the Rams squad that had them on the ropes in St. Louis last season is probably going to be improved.

This time around, the 49ers will need to focus on the Rams' young receivers. Early in the season, second-year men Donnie Avery and Keenan Burton will still be developing.

Come January, they could pose a real threat inside the dome with Marc Bulger leading the charge.

If the 49ers can control the ball on offense and force the Rams to beat them with Steven Jackson, their defense should b able to secure a victory.

Probable win for the 49ers.

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With this overall assessment, the best-case scenario for the 49ers looks to be 10-6 and a playoff birth, but that is a stretch at this point, considering the likelihood for all NFL teams to lay an egg once or twice a year against lesser opponents. Along those same lines, a three-game swing in the win column may be too much to expect from the young squad.

The outlook seems good in San Francisco, however it's not all feel-good stories and total optimism for the 49ers going into 2009.

The team is without a time-proven starter under center, and has a new offensive coordinator with baggage that includes a career 67-125 record. The defense still needs to establish a pass rush and shore up holes in the secondary.

While it may have appeared that the 49ers defense improved in the nine games under Singletary last season, it only managed to trim about 25 yards per game off the 339 yards per game it surrendered with Mike Nolan at the helm. Obviously, 315 yards allowed per game is still too steep.

The offense seemed to find a spark with Singletary as well, but it remains to be seen whether that was a result of his motivational reach spanning the entire team, or Mike Martz pulling out all the stops in his effort to land the head coaching job.

Optimism is contagious, especially amongst 49er fans, but it will probably take until mid-season before they know if a positive outlook has been validated.