As I searched the world wide web for exciting things to bring to the world, I couldn't help but draw inspiration from the great Matt Barrows of The Athletic. In a recent mailbag article, a fan presented the task of creating the ideal San Francisco 49ers schedule based on what we already know for home/away opponents.
Here is my dream schedule for the 2022 49ers season.
Week 1 vs. Cardinals - This would be a home game for the 49ers and must-see television. Trey Lance would get a second chance at the team that handed him his first loss. Kyler Murray vs. Lance is pay-per-view quality.
Week 2 at Panthers - Now that Lance got his feet wet, he should have no problems commanding his troops against the Carolina Panthers. I think the 49ers' defense will make sure Lance and company get multiple chances to put up points in that game.
Week 3 at Falcons - Let's stay in the NFC South. Once again, the Falcons don't seem to be a team equipped to stop the 49ers' pass rush. Lance should have zero problems controlling this game.
Week 4 vs. Rams - You can always count on Kyle Shanahan to beat Sean McVay during the regular season. It doesn't matter who the quarterback is for the 49ers.
Week 5 at Broncos - Road trip to the Mile High city. Let the AFC West Tour begin. How will Lance deal with the high altitudes of this fantastic city?
Week 6 vs. Chiefs - Going back to Cali to prepare for Patrick Mahomes and the Tyreek Hill-less Chiefs. Sign me up. MVP vs. Future MVP could be exciting to watch.
Week 7 vs. Commanders - After a tough matchup against the Chiefs, the 49ers should have enough willpower to beat the Washington Commanders. If I have to pick a position matchup, it will be Deebo Samuel vs. Terry McLaurin—The Battle of the Contracts.
Week 8 at Bears - It's Halloween, and last season the 49ers defeated the Bears 33-22 on the same holiday. However, that 49ers team was led by quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. It's a new season, and there's a new sheriff in town. New quarterback and same time of year smells like another spooky night for the Bears. Lance vs. Fields is going to be a marquee match-up for years to come.
Week 9 vs. Seahawks - The first time Shanahan gets to prepare for a team without Russell Wilson. I'm expecting Shanahan to do what Pete Carroll has done to him over the past few seasons—WIN!
Week 10 at Raiders - The team should be fine as long as the 49ers don't hit the slots immediately after getting off the airplane. Charvarius Ward vs. Davante Adams is must-see television. That's the day Ward will earn his 2022 salary.
Week 11 at Cardinals (Mexico) - I hope they play Alfredo Gutierrez. Oh, and beat Kliff Kingsbury. Again.
Week 12 Bye - WE ALL NEED A BREAK
Week 13 vs. Saints - No more Drew Brees getting crazy calls in these matchups.
Week 14 at Seahawks - Lance should be in full stride for the playoffs. The 49ers have to watch out for tricks from the special teams. Pete Carroll may get desperate.
Week 15 vs. Chargers - While most people want to watch Lance vs. Justin Herbert to see who can throw the deepest pass, I'll be glued to the pass rush to see which Bosa gets more sacks, the big bear or the little bear.
Week 16 vs. Buccaneers - Tom Brady on Christmas Day seems inevitable. I would bring the family to this game.
Week 17 at Dolphins - Raheem Mostert may have spilled the beans with this one, hinting at a potential 49ers-Dolphins matchup here.
Week 18 at Rams - End the season with a bang, and Lance earns his first playoff appearance.
This is my schedule breakdown based on what we all know so far. Let's see how this pans out this coming Thursday night when the NFL releases its 2022 schedule. Stay up, stay faithful, and always keep it Nitty Gritty.