2012 NFL Schedule: Toughest Games on the 2012 Schedule for San Francisco 49ers

Per NFL.com, the NFL has released the schedule for the 2012 season, and the San Francisco 49ers are looking at a tough schedule.

Besides the fact that the NFC West isn't exactly slumming it these days, the 49ers non-divisional schedule is downright brutal at times. 

That being said, let's take a look at the toughest games coming up for the 49ers in 2012.

Week 1: San Francisco 49ers at Green Bay Packers

The 49ers have a perfect opportunity to showcase their defense in Green Bay in the first regular-season game. Talk about a test right out the gate; this game could define their season—one way or another.

If they win the game and go on to perform at a level on par or better than last year's surprising showing, we can point to this game. Conversely, if they get slaughtered at Lambeau Field by the Packers aerial attack and then go on a losing streak all the haters from last year will have been justified.

The biggest question I have about the game has nothing to do with the Packers offense or the 49ers defense, rather I'm more concerned with whether or not the 49ers can improve upon dismal passing numbers last year.

They've certainly done their best to give Alex Smith the tools to do the job. All that remains to be seen is if Smith is up to the task.

I predict that this game will be ugly. Defenses tend to start out hotter than offenses, and there are bound to be multiple turnovers. 

As much as I hate to say it, the Packers will likely prevail.

Week 6: New York Giants at San Francisco 49ers

There are numerous storylines interwoven into the fabric of this contest. Brandon Jacobs and Mario Manningham—after winning a championship with the Giants—crossed over to the West Coast to join the 49ers.

It's also a rematch of last year's NFC championship game—the one in which Kyle Williams' two fumbles cost the 49ers a Super Bowl berth.

Best of all, this contest is going to be tough because both teams are legitimate heavyweights of the NFC. They both love to pound the ball on the ground if they can and play stifling defense predicated on two of the best defensive lines in the NFL.

Offense will be purchased at premium prices, and it'll be a shock to me if the teams manage to score a combined 40 points.

This is a game the 49ers should be able to pull off at home. Their defense will overwhelm the Giants offense, and I'm looking forward to a turnover-fest from the 49ers secondary unit.

Week 12: San Francisco 49ers at New Orleans Saints

A rematch of last year's NFC divisional matchup, this game will be one to watch closely.

There's no doubt in my mind that some of the players on the 49ers are pissed off about the way the Saints targeted specific body parts to injure players in the divisional game.

Jim Harbaugh will be adamant about making sure his players understand that they need to be disciplined and forget about the infraction, but once the adrenaline starts pumping during the game I'm betting at least one fight breaks out.

In addition to the emotional aspect of this game—and the fact that it's on the road at the Superdome—the Saints are a tough team to beat on any given Sunday as long as Drew Brees is slinging the rock.

Steve Spagnuolo takes over for Gregg Williams as the Saints defensive coordinator. He will bring a more disciplined approach to his scheme, and the Saints won't be giving away easy touchdowns. 

The key to this game will be how well the 49ers can produce in the red zone. The Saints will put up points and field goals won't cut it.

The 49ers will score touchdowns, and they will win in New Orleans. I guarantee it.

Week 15: San Francisco 49ers at New England Patriots

Tom Brady at Foxborough in December. This may end up being the 49ers' biggest test all year.

The Patriots are deadly at home at any point in the year, but they are almost unbeatable once they start gearing up for the playoffs (H/T the Boston Globe).

The 49ers have two of the best middle linebackers in the NFL with Patrick Willis and NaVorro Bowman, and Donte Whitner and Dashon Goldson behind them at the safety positions are among the best as well. 

That being said, the task of trying to slow down Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez with Brady running the show is darn near impossible.

Add Brandon Lloyd to the mix and you have your hands full.

The key to this game will be whether or not Aldon and Justin Smith can pressure Brady enough to get him on the ground and cause him to turn the ball over. That's easier said than done, though, as the Pats have one of the best pass-protecting offensive lines every year.

Harbaugh showed he has the mettle to lead his team into enemy territory and come away victorious. I expect the 49ers to win in New England on their way to their second straight NFC West crown.

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