San Francisco 49ers: Analyzing the 2012 Schedule

The 2012-13 schedule for the NFL has been released.

While the official week-by-week listing won't be available until the end of the month, home and away matchups are known and ready for analysis.

Here you'll find a complete breakdown and analysis of each team's matches, including their divisional games, their home and away games and the three most exciting matchups that the 2012 schedule has thrown up.

The San Francisco 49ers were the runaway leaders of the NFC West, and after taking out the New Orleans Saints in the divisional round, came within two punts of taking the NFC Championship.

Their team rankings saw them 29th in passing and eighth in rushing, as well as 16th in pass defense and first in run defense.

Will they repeat their success in the NFC in 2012? Let's take a look.

Divisional games

Starting with the easy one, the 49ers play the Arizona Cardinals, Seattle Seahawks and St. Louis Rams twice this year—once at home and once away—and if 2011 was anything to go off, then they should be in for a comfortable run here.

They went 5-1 in their division last year, and with the Niners' defense, I expect a similar story in 2012. The Rams will benefit heavily from their draft picks this year, though I don't expect them to challenge this San Francisco unit for at least a few more years.

And as long as the Seahawks rely on Marshawn Lynch and Kevin Kolb continues to disappoint for the Cardinals, San Francisco will most likely go 5-1 if not 6-0 in their division again this year.

Home games

In 2011, the 49ers posted a 7-1 record at home. In 2012, that record may be under attack due to a tougher schedule. Along with their divisional games, the Niners play two NFC North teams, two AFC East teams and a side from the NFC East.

They play the Chicago Bears and the Detroit Lions at home this year—two sides that could very easily challenge for a wild-card playoff spot in 2012.

The Bears were crippled by injuries to Jay Cutler and Matt Forte last year, and as long as that doesn't happen again this year, they will again be a threat in the North. They boast an impressive run defense—albeit not as strong as the Niners—and will force Alex Smith in to making big throws.

The Detroit Lions are also a match that the Niners could struggle in, especially as Matthew Stafford continues to develop and Calvin Johnson continues to be a freak. The Lions' dominant passing offense will cause problems for the Niners' weak passing defense in a match that could result in another coaching struggle.

The AFC East sees the Buffalo Bills and the Miami Dolphins come to town and here lies two games that San Francisco truly should win. The Bills, ranked in the bottom half of the league for defense, only won once on the road last year.

Miami may prove to be a tough match—considering their tough defense—but to beat the Niners, you've got to be able to throw the ball well. The 23rd-ranked passing offense will be boosted by someone other than Matt Moore, but it won't be enough to get them home.

They will also play host to the Super Bowl champions in the New York Giants in a rematch of last year's NFC Championship game. That match was a defensive struggle in which the Giants defense kicked it up a gear, and Alex Smith went 1-11 on third downs for the entire match. Harbaugh's usually disciplined side made too many errors in that game, and they will need to fix that if they are to take out New York.

All in all, their home games are tougher than last year, but San Francisco is a serious contender in the NFC and will come out of their home games with a 6-2 record this season.

Away games

Last year, the Niners went 6-2 on the road, and if you thought their home schedule was tougher this year, then their away schedule is just ridiculous. They will find consolation in their divisional games, but other than that, there isn't a lot to look forward to for San Francisco fans.

Their two NFC North matches see them travel to Lambeau Field to take on the Green Bay Packers, who will once again be the favorites to win the Super Bowl. The Packers' defense will be improved this year, and despite not being as strong as the 49ers, they will be good enough to stop Smith.

That and Aaron Rodgers is a beast.

Their other NFC North match is a tricky encounter against the Minnesota Vikings. Christian Ponder will benefit greatly from a stronger offensive line, and will prove that he is good enough to make throws. Adrian Peterson will have a tough time against the Niners defense, as San Francisco scrapes home with their field-goal unit.

Their remaining games against AFC East teams are also tough, tough matches to win on the road—at New England and at the Jets. They will not get past the Patriots on the road, and will only get by the Jets because Rex Ryan said his side will win. Neither game will be easy.

San Francisco also has to face the Saints, who have the strongest home record in the league. They are almost unstoppable at home, and considering the incredible match these two played in the divisional round, this one could be another thriller. You've got to like the Saints at home though, especially with that revenge card they're holding.

I meant it when I said they have a tough away schedule this year, and I think San Francisco will be lucky to come out with a 4-4 record if they faced stronger divisional teams. However, the NFC West is what it is, and the Niners will come out 5-3 on the road.

Three games to watch

No. 3 — San Fransisco 49ers at New Orleans Saints

It's Offense vs. Defense II, and a rematch of that thrilling divisional round match last season. However, this time the Saints are at home—in one of the hardest domes to play in in the entire NFL. Harbaugh lives for tough matches though, and this one will be no exception.

No. 2— San Francisco 49ers at Green Bay Packers

Why? Because it'll be an incredible game. It will be interesting to see where this match falls in terms of its date, as the weather in Green Bay could be both nice and horrible. And if the 49ers have to face another high-powered offense in the Saints or Patriots around the time of this match, the Packers could open up the Niners' pass defense at will.

No. 1 — New York Giants at San Francisco 49ers

NFC Championship rematch. Same teams, same ground—will it yield the same result? Expect the 49ers defense to be nice and angry, and that frustrated face that Eli Manning puts on to be on full display in this one.

Overall

The San Francisco 49ers have a tougher schedule this year, though that shouldn't stop them from taking the NFC West. They are still head and shoulders above the field—both on offense and defense—and will once again be a tough road trip come January.

I've got them coming out at 11-5, potentially 10-6 due to their tough road games. Considering that no other side in their division posted a winning record last year however, 10-6 will still be more than enough to go through to the National Football League playoffs again.

For analysis on other NFC West teams:

Click here for St. Louis Rams

Click here for Arizona Cardinals

Click here for Seattle Seahawks

Read more articles by Dan here or follow him on Twitter: @dantalintyre.