2010 NFL Schedule: Analyzing the San Francisco 49ers

Today, the league released the 2010-2011 NFL schedule for all 32 teams.

As a loyal, die-hard San Francisco 49ers fan, I was anxious to see who they would be facing next season. The team is on the rise, and many, including myself, expect them to claim the reigns atop the NFC West for the first time since 2002.

Glancing over the schedule, there are several things to be pleased about.

As I stated earlier, the expectations for the team are very high this season. With four nationally televised games, the team will have an opportunity to prove to the league that they can succeed at the next level on prime-time.  

Another interesting element of the schedule is a Week Six hosting of their Bay Area rivals, Oakland Raiders. To any 49ers fan, this is definitely a game that they hope to attend.

Furthermore, in Week Eight, the team will take on the Denver Broncos in London, England. It will be an enticing game featuring two of the most decorated franchises in NFL history.

Over the past few seasons, the league has experimented with expanding internationally. In my mind, it’s unfavorable for the two teams considering that they are forced to endure inconvenient traveling and that one will lose a home game.

Following the trip overseas, the team will have a bye, which is great news. I’ve always felt that having a bye week right in the middle of the season is perfect because it allows your team a solid eight-week stretch before a well-deserved opportunity to readjust strategies, rest fatigued players, and recoup as a unit.

Probably the best aspect of the schedule is that it is very well-balanced and relatively easy.

The only extremely tough matchups are the home opener against defending Super Bowl Champions in Week 2, and road games against the Packers and Chargers towards the end of the season, in Week 13 and 15.

Other than that, the only other playoff teams they face are the Cardinals and Eagles, both of whom, due to offseason activity, are set to slip, making winning those games very realistic.

Analyzing the schedule overall, barring any injuries, I predict the San Francisco 49ers win the NFC West with a record of 10-6.

With two first round draft picks, an improving offense accompanied by a dominating defense, and Coach Singletary at the helm, the future is definitely looking bright. Who knows? They may be the Saints of last season and win it all.  

By the way, here's a link to the San Francisco 49ers Official 2010-2011 Schedule