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When the 49ers traded away their 2nd round pick this year to Carolina, a lot of people had the same feeling. "Well, the next pick better be fan-[site decorum]-tastic." When it came to the 74th overall pick, the Niners were on the clock. Maybe we see a nose tackle drafted here... Or a DB, someone to help over the top. Ok... There's Goodell... And the Niners select... A running back? Glen what? Like the dude from The Green Mile? REALLY NINRRSZZZ BRASSZZZ?!?!??!

I kid, I kid, but not entirely. Glen Coffee, picked 74th overall in the 3rd round, was a pick that surprised a lot of people, myself included. Sure, having a backup to Gore is important, but even with Robinson and Clayton was it necessary to take a 3 star RB with their 3rd round pick...?

However, when I began to take a look at him, my eyes were opened a little bit. Sure I heard of him, and watched him bowl over some players during college, but I didn't really get to know Glen Coffee the man. Thank goodness for the Internet, and in a few minutes, I began to see why he is a good fit within this organization.

Check out after the jump for the life and times of Glen Coffee...

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As much fun as it is talking about the 49ers and all that that entails, it's easy to forget about our opponents until we get into the regular season.  Due to that, in 2007 I thought it would be beneficial and interesting for all of us to develop a running feature I called "Know Thy Enemy."  The general gist of it was to take a look at each 49ers opponent for the upcoming season one by one.  As I said last year, half the equation for the 49ers success will be determined on the other side of the field.

ProfessorBigelow and I already did a rundown of the 2009 schedule but "Know Thy Enemy" allows us to take a more detailed offseason look at each opponent.  The format is the same for each: Overview, Additions, Subtractions, 2009 Questions & Answers, and a quick look at the matchup versus the 49ers.  Also, we'll just be looking at non-divisional opponents since there is plenty discussion going on with that.

Today we'll be taking a look at the Minnesota Vikings.  The Vikings are represented at SB Nation by Gonzo over at Daily Norseman.

Overview
The Vikings qualify as a very bizarre team as of late.  One might compare them to the Super Bowl champion Ravens of a few years back, only more like Ravens-lite.  The Vikings defense was beastly, to say the least, finishing 4th in total defense.  The addition of Jared Allen certainly added a little something extra.  Of course, on the other side of the ball, you have to wonder how awful the Vikings would have been without the man they call Purple Jesus.  Adrian Peterson whipped together 1,760 yards rushing yards and the Vikings offense finished a robust 23rd in total offense.  Either way, that defense carried the Vikings all the way to a division title and first round home defeat at the hands of the Philadelphia Eagles.

Additions
One big name potential addition will be discussed in the 2009 Q&A portion of this post.  In the meantime, given the offensive struggles, it wasn't too difficult to determine which side of the ball the Vikings would be addressing early in the draft.  They did that and then some with the addition of Percy Harvin.  While rookie wide receivers often struggle early on, Harvin brings the team a potential home run threat in the kick return game.

The Vikings did add a quarterback (not that guy...we'll discuss him down below).  They traded for Sage Rosenfels, a backup to Matt Schaub down in Houston, and a guy who will likely be battling for a backup QB position alongisde the likes of Tavaris Jackson and John David Booty.  I believe Gus Frerotte is still in the house, but it's surprisingly hard to clear that up.

Subtractions
The big loss is All-Pro center Matt Birk, who signed with the Ravens this offseason.  The folks at DN seemed resigned to that fact early in free agency, but it still hurts to lose a quality center, even if he is getting up their in age.  Another aging veteran, Darren Sharper bolted for New Orleans after a solid stop over in the great purple north.   Other than the two aging veterans, the Vikings other losses were backups that they should easily replace.

2009 Questions and Answers
The biggest question is the one that appears to be absolutely consuming the folks at Daily Norseman.  If you head over there, the sight is being overrun with Brett Favre stories.  There's about a 90% chance of a Favre story at the top of the front page at any given moment.  I have to say, as much as I'd like there to be big 49ers news, I'm perfectly content with little to no Brett Favre in my life.  Of course, we could be looking at the second straight season of facing Brett Favre on a new team.  Of course, being as this will be week 3 in Minnesota, we'll see if Favre has a fork sticking out of his back at that point.

Favre aside, I think the biggest question mark is how the Vikings will successfully replace Matt Birk, as well as how Phil Loadholt will handle some serious on the job training.  The Vikings offensive line has some serious questions marks to be answered.  And if they're rolling out an old man like Brett Favre at QB, they best find some answers ASAP.  If they don't, even a possibly weak 49ers pass rush (TBD) could do some serious damage.

vs. San Francisco
Two years ago, in an otherwise ugly season, the 49ers shutdown Adrian Peterson, holding him to 3 yards on 14 carries.  Of course, it didn't mean much in a 27-7 loss as Chester Taylor had 101 yards on 8 carries.  However, I eagerly await the matchup this season to see how Patrick Willis, the 2007 Defensive Rookie of the Year, and Adrian Peterson, the 2007 Offensive Rookie of the Year, matchup.  I realize the running game and rush defense entail more than those two, but it should still be interesting to see them do battle.

Back in our first schedule discussion post, ProfessorBigelow looked at this as a win while I looked at as a loss...and that was before the Brett Favre discussion.  The 49ers will be in the midst of 3 divisional matchups in their first 4 games.  The Vikings defense could certainly do a number on the 49ers, particularly if the offensive line isn't gelling at that point.  And if the Vikings do add Favre, he usually doesn't fall apart until later in the season, just like the Vikings.  Tough matchup as we said in the schedule discussion.

Alright, we are almost there: the biggest lull in sports. While baseball is entertaining throughout the summer, all we have is baseball and off-season news in other sports. Hockey is done, as is basketball (HELL YEAH LAKERS), and we are approaching the end of OTAs, where we are stuck waiting for Training Camp, and real football news, to begin.

So what's a fan to do in the meantime? Well, the one thing we do best; Speculate! Here, Fooch and I present the final part of our four-part series discussing the 2009 49ers schedule, week-by-week. Our goal, to kill some time, get excited about the season, and begin thinking about our chances of a playoff run. If you missed Part I, Part II or Part III, here is the quick recap:

2009 San Francisco 49ers Records after Week 13:
Fooch: 6-6
ProfessorBigelow: 8-4
69% of Niners Nation readers believe that that after week 13, the Niners will have 7-9 wins.

Now we enter the home stretch... Two division games, and one more significant test before the playoffs...

ProfessorBigelow: Here is where I get realistic... We can't sweep the Cards, and since I predicted we take them week 1, week 14 is a loss.

Fooch: Interesting... Road win, home loss... I on the other hand will go with the home win.

PB: Ooooh, finally you pick the win and I pick the loss!

Fooch: I'm very curious to see where the Cardinals are sitting at this point. Are they the team we saw win the division last year, the better team that made the playoff run, or more average than anything else?

PB: I'd say they are average, or a bit better, on the same level as the Niners are at least. But then again I'm not doing a week-by-week analysis of the Cards

Fooch: This is true... At this point, I think those Cards games could go either way... The Cardinals seem on the surface to have more talent, but I'm just not sold. I think the 49ers defense can contain their running game. The 49ers need Frank Gore to get things going this year, and if he can this is a game they can win.

PB: Agreed. I'm predicting a loss here because it has to fit into previous predictions I've made. I realllllllly want to pick them at home, but I'm no flip-flopper, so 8-5 it is.

Fooch: I've got ‘em 7-6 I think, right?

After the jump, the last 3 regular season games of the 2009 49ers season, through the eyes of two big football nerds that have nothing better to do with their free time :-D

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Ahh, the doldrums of the NFL off-season. Now is a time when players changing agents becomes a top story on ESPN because, well, there is NOTHING ELSE GOING ON. So unless you are a b-ball fan (Go Lakers), a hockey fan, or are interested in late-May baseball, this is a rough period of time for you.

Never to fear, those at Niners Nation are here to get your spirits up by looking to the future! In case you've missed Part I or Part II of the Fooch-Bigelow schedule discussion, go ahead and catch up by clicking those links, I'll be here when you get back.

Otherwise, here are weeks 10 through 13 of the 2009 San Francisco 49ers season; a stretch with some intriguing matchups, and games that could turn into must-wins if we want to make a playoff run....

ProfessorBigelow: DAAAAAAA Bears! Honestly, outside of the NFC West, I can't WAIT for this game to come

Fooch: how come?

ProfessorBigelow: I see the Bears as a real measuring stick. They match up well with us, are strong on both sides of the ball, but can be beaten. Its a showdown of Urlacher vs Willis in who has the more dominant linebacker (even though we all know who that is). Cutler is a force, but I still don't know how he is going to play with Chicago, kind of a wild card there...

Fooch: Yea, he's becoming that Favre-esque wildcard :)

ProfessorBigelow: ha, almost

Fooch: But honestly, this is a bit out there, but I think Juaquin Iglesias (3rd round WR from Oklahoma), could be a solid WR option for them. Even with Cutler they don't exactly have a ton of receiving weapons ya know?

ProfessorBigelow: They really should have gone for Holt, in my opinion... But there are still some WR's on the market.

Fooch: I'd expect they're not going to improve much beyond what they have. Cutler does make the WRs better, but their big offensive strength is some decent running back options. Matt Forte had a solid rookie season and a completely healthy Kevin Jones would really give them a solid backup

ProfessorBigelow: I'm a huge Forte fan as well. I struck gold last season and got Chris Johnson and Matt Forte in my fantasy league, and Forte became one of my favorite bruisers in the league.

Fooch: Nice :)

ProfessorBigelow: That man is going to have a future in the NFL

Fooch: Yea I'd say so

ProfessorBigelow: But enough [site decorum] licking, lets get down to picking this game. Their (the Bears) d is good, very very very good, but I think they are getting a bit long in the teeth. Urlacher has been losing a step every season. Again, if the Niners want to be a legit team in the NFL during the 2009 season, this is a must win. Otherwise they sit at mediocrity.

Fooch: I agree...good teams win home games. Maybe the 49ers don't go 8-0 at home, but I think this is a game they can win. I honestly think it comes down to how much Jay Cutler improves that offense. Football Outsiders had them ranked 22nd in the NFL on offense. What kind of improvement can we see?

ProfessorBigelow: Better than 22nd, worse than 15^th.

Fooch: I agree that it's questionable how much the offense improves. I think the 49ers win this one. Depending on what Cutler does for the offense, this seems like the type of game that comes down to who can control time of possession more.

ProfessorBigelow: Same. It comes down to a few simple comparisons: Willis > Urlacher; Gore > Forte; Crabtree, Bruce, Hill, Morgan > Bears WR Corps; Cutler > Hill/Smith. OK, so 3/4 aint bad. Niners win - 6-3

Fooch: I like it :) But I'll go with 10-9 49ers

ProfessorBigelow: Oh, that was my Niners record til now. haha

Fooch: oh ok :)

ProfessorBigelow: Final score? Wow, wayyy to early for that... But 10-9 is a good one.

Fooch: I'm at 5-4, record wise.

ProfessorBigelow: Winning records, not bad...

After the jump; weeks 11, 12 and 13, including a trip to Seattle and the Frozen Tundra...

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So it's been a long time since our last Very Early Discussion post, and since then a ton has happened to the Niners, and the entire NFL. For those who missed the first one, Fooch and I had a discussion on the Niners 2009 schedule one day, making predictions and breaking down games one at a time. We recognize this is incredibly early and almost useless, it does allow us to begin thinking about our season, as well as build reasonable exectations for the samurai's first full season in command.

So below is the Weeks 5 through 9 match-ups (Week 6 is the Bye) for our insanely, ridiculously early look at the Niners:

Fooch: Week 5 brings a tough game...home against the Falcons... the big question has to be whether Matt Ryan has a sophomore slump.

ProfessorBigelow: Matt Ryan and the entire coaching staff.

Fooch: Good point...you don't hear as much about the coaching staff sophomore slump.

ProfessorBigelow: I think this is where we slow down and take a loss. I think the Falcons are for real, their D was always under-estimated last season. Plus, we all know the Niners cant go 5-0. That's just madness! I think Atlanta is for real, and if there is any time to take a loss, it is right before a bye week. That would give Singletary a good opportunity to find what they did right, what they did wrong, motivate the team, and prepare them for the hardest, longest stretch of games this season.

Fooch: I think I agree with you on the Falcons loss. Even if Ryan has the sophomore slump, they've still got the solid defense and of course Michael Turner. But I think Ryan will be fine...maybe he struggles a bit, but he seems like a solid professional to me

ProfessorBigelow: Agreed. So going into the bye, i have 4-1, you have 3-2

Fooch: Yep...  While yours is a little more optimistic than mine, I don't think either is completely outrageous.... I like having the bye week right before that tough two game road trip. It allows Singletary to get everybody re-focused.

ProfessorBigelow: agreed, and that is what will be needed for this stretch

Due to extenuating circumstances, the discussion was delayed to 2 weeks later - post draft.

ProfessorBigelow: Can I make a slight addendum to my week 3 pick?
 
Fooch: What's that?

ProfessorBigelow: I'm not going to make an official flip-flop after the draft, and change that to an official loss, but I am much more scared of the Vikings. The talent they put on offense now scares me even more now, and if Favre comes back we will be facing him in his second game in Minnesota, and everyone could be flying high seeing #4 in purple, and his arm might not be decrepit by then.  I'm going to stand my prediction of a win in that game, but its a game I'm thinking more about now...

Fooch: You make a good point... Favre is at the point where he could start hot before the inevitable fade that we saw with the Jets. I went with a loss in my prediction, but an early season Favre-led Vikings would make it a little more so... unless he is completely shot of course.

ProfessorBigelow: Of course, he could implode at the beginning of the season, almost giving us the win. Farve is the definition of a wild card now a-days.

Fooch: Exactly.

ProfessorBigelow: Ok, Week 7 v Houston - the honor is yours.

Fooch: Well, over the last couple seasons, the Texans have turned into one of those chic pre-season picks and then they've finished 8-8 each of the last two seasons...the question becomes whether they'll finally make that next step.

ProfessorBigelow: I love rooting for the Texans usually. It's that team that I have no feelings for or against. If they lose, meh, they're the Texans, who cares. If they win, hooray for rooting for the victorious team! Either way, as you said, it has been about a 50-50 shot on getting a win for these guys. Call me crazy, but I don't believe in Matt Schaub as a consistent leading QB in this league.

Fooch: I'm not sure what to think about Schaub. He put up some big passing yard totals, but with 15 TDs and 10 INTs it's kinda blah. Who do you blame for a lack of TD passes? After Andre Johnson his two best receivers were Kevin Walter and Owen Daniels, who do they have... Will Jacoby Jones step up?

They drafted a couple tight ends, but went mostly defense in the draft... A buddy of mine is a Virginia fan so I've followed Schaub off and on since his college days... In two seasons with the Texans he's improved quite a bit... So maybe he could become that consistently good QB in the league.

ProfessorBigelow: Perhaps, but I guess he still need to show me something to believe in him. As for their rookies, Cushing is going to be a solid player for them in the future... He will be someone to think about down the line when facing the Texans D. Fortunately for us, 7 weeks into the season is not long enough to make him a threat. That combined with the fact that the Texans usually don't get hot until the second half of the season compels me to pick the Niners here.

However, the Texans are the AFC version of the Niners; they are a chic pick year-to-year, always start slow, then end strong. The Texans are close to turning it around and becoming a real threat to teams. But again, I just don't see it week 7. Niners are 5-1 (wow I'm ballsy/dumb).

Fooch: I think this game is one of the toughest on the schedule to predict. The Titans have been more of a second half team, so you wonder if they'll be starting to turn it on at this point. They've added some defensive talent, but aside from Mario Williams and Dunta Robinson, I'm not exactly scared to death of their defense. If the 49ers are going to take the next step, I really think this is a game they have to win. I'm going to go out on a limb and call for the win here, but I think it's gonna be as close a game as they have all year. We're talking potential Nedney game-winner type of game. However, the optimist in me sees this as a potential win. So mark me down for 4-2.

Now you get to kick off the potentially ugly one in Indy. :)

ProfessorBigelow: Ooooof. Yeah.... Thanks. This is part two of the only "road trip" the Niners have all season - 2 back to back road games. And of course, they come against division rivals of the Texans, the Colts. Now, I've been optimistic about most of the match-ups here, and in my heart of hearts I truly believe that if the Niners are the 5-1 team I've predicted so far this season they could give the Colts a real run for their money.

However, my brain would smack my heart in the face and tell me to wake up, these are the Indianapolis Colts. We will be playing them in their house, and our CB's and safeties cannot control their WR's for the amount of time Manning will get behind his all-pro offensive line.

Our offense might be able to wear their D down to keep it interesting, but the best way to beat the Colts is to out-sprint them, and I don't think we are the score-early-and-very-often kind of team.

Fooch: I think the goal of this game is the proverbial moral victory. I do think this is a winnable game. I consider every game on this schedule potentially winnable. This differs from a few years back when there were games you just knew they were going to lose.

However, just because it's winnable does not mean the 49ers will win it. I think they're moving past the point of getting blown out in games and I think they can hang with the Colts for a while. But the Colts just have too much talent across the board. Throw in the addition of Donald Brown to offset Joseph Addai and the Colts are in pretty solid shape.

I look at this game as more telling us how far the 49ers have really come this season. I'm pretty sure they'll drop to 4-3 here, but I think they could at least make it interesting

ProfessorBigelow: One can only hope.

Ok, in week 9 we continue our trek through the AFC South and face off against the Tennessee Titans. Thankfully this week we return home.

Fooch: The Titans are a tough team for me to figure out. They have definitely built the team the "right" way. They've got a stout defense and a running game that I'd put up against most any RB duo in the league.

One of the big questions in my mind is what will be going on at QB at this point in the season? Will VY be back in the saddle, or do they stick with the veteran Kerry Collins?

ProfessorBigelow: I think the whole Titans organization is very wary of Vince Young after this past season, and it will take a Herculean effort (or a Kerry-bear injury/complete collapse) for Vince to step into the drivers seat.

Now by week 9, that is an amount of time that would allow Vince to step into that spot, which would basically give the Titans 3 legit running threats from their backfield. BTW let me get this on the record now: Chris Johnson scares the crap out of me

Fooch: Even with the question marks at QB, I figure the Titans remain one of the top teams in the AFC simply because that defense isn't going anywhere and the running game should be fine...  don't see a sophomore slump from Chris Johnson, and even if he struggles some, LenDale White is there to pick up the slack. They even added Javon Ringer, the Michigan State running back. It's like running back overload there.

ProfessorBigelow: Do you see their D being a big threat, even with the subtraction of Albert Haynseworth? I always saw their D as one that pass-rushes you into oblivion, and has a staunch running D, but late gave up just enough rushing yards to keep it interesting.

Fooch: I almost forgot about Hayensworth. His 2008 strikes me as contract year production, so it is definitely a void to be filled... Jacob ford put up 7 sacks in his second year, so they'll need him to show he wasn't a one year wonder

ProfessorBigelow: Yeah, I don't think the Titans D will match the talent and level of play from what they had last year. But I also don't think our O can outperform their D. I see a Titan's win, and the Niners first losing streak - 5-3 through 8.

Fooch: Well, this Negative Nancy has a losing streak that drops the 49ers to 4-4. Given the second half schedule, I think even 4-4 is a pretty pleasing first half of the season.

ProfessorBigelow: Yeah, I would have to agree. Peter King always said that an NFL team is usually assured 4 wins and 4 losses, its what they do with the other 8 games that separates the cream from the crap.

Fooch: Good point.

NEXT TIME - Weeks 10-13!!!

When the 2009 schedule came out, my office was abuzz with excitement. It was the first real, league wide NFL news to come out in a long time, and it gave every fan an opportunity to speculate about their team's chances next season. The casual discussion on the schedules is fun to listen to from the other side of a cube, and it has been fun to read on the Niners Nation board as well.

That got those wheels turning in my head, and gave me an idea to try out here. Fooch and I got together via gchat (Google Mail's version of instant messaging) and decided to discuss on a week by week basis each matchup. While these games are five months or more away from now, it is good to gauge our chances now, and at specific intervals during the off season. Also, we thought it would be more interesting to have two people bouncing ideas off each other about these matchups, instead of one person's ranting, raving thoughts.

So what follows is our chat (with only a slight bit of typo and punctuation editing) containing our thoughts on the matchup, and a prediction. We divided the discussion into 4 parts, each containing four games, to make it easy on the eyes for you guys.

Fooch: For the fourth straight season we open against the Cardinals. I was speaking with Charles Golden of Revenge of the Birds (Cards blog) and it definitely seems like the NFL is trying to force this rivalry...

ProfessorBigelow: But that's not to say that there isn't a rivalry building here. We lost by 2 yards on Monday Night Football last year to them, we have had high scoring slug-fests in seasons past. And what better way to deliver a statement to the league (if we are the improved Niners team that we think we are) than to knock off the NFC Champions from last season, in their house week 1?

Fooch: I agree that the rivalry is definitely building... Even in games where we've lost by double digits, the games have been quite competitive. Although I don't think it would be shocking to win at AZ to start the season, I think the pundits would peg as a pretty big upset. I don't know if it will make or break the season, but that kind of road win is must-win for a team wanting to take "the next step." Would you agree?

ProfessorBigelow: Completely. It is definitely a winnable game, from the 49ers perspective. The Cardinals were not the dominant team everyone watched in the playoffs during the regular season. The playoffs could have been, for lack of a better word, a fluke. Plus there is a possibility that Boldin is not there anymore, removing a massive threat that has hurt us in the past. Add a potential rookie starting RB, and I think our D matches up better than in previous seasons

If I had to decide now, I believe the Singletary era begins with a bang, and a strong message to the NFL: The 49ers are here to compete. Niners win week 1.

Fooch: I keep telling myself that the season will start with a bang. Although the Singletary era technically started last season, I consider this first game the true kick-off to it. I think there's a decent chance you get the carry-over of a new coach that inspires the team. The question becomes whether that will work out long-term. This game won't fully answer that question, but I think it's just as important for where we're going with Singletary, as it is for playoff implications. I'll go with a W though...my confidence definitely increases with a Boldin trade. I think we wouldn't be good fans if we didn't think a win was possible in that kind of opener.

ProfessorBigelow: True, True. Eternally optimistic i guess

Fooch: Yea...I've always posted that I'm an optimistic realist... But it seems safe to say we agree on 1-0

After the jump, weeks 2, 3 and 4 of the Fooch-Bigelow 2009 49ers schedule caucus.

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I was all set to take a look at Scott Linehan this morning when Barrows jumped on it.  Such is life.  I'll come up with my own alternative take on Linehan in the coming days (think DVOA among other things.  In the meantime, now seems as good a time as any to make the first, ridiculously early predictions of the 49ers 2009 slate of opponents.  We have no clue when the games will take place, but that won't stop us from throwing out predictions.  In the front page poll, so far 80% of people think the 49ers will win at least 9 games in 2009.  I like the optimism!

vs. Atlanta Falcons: WIN - The Falcons were merely average on the road this season, going 4-5, including the playoffs.  I think the 49ers can win this even if Matt Ryan does NOT have a sophomore slump.  Nate Clements vs. Roddy White looks to be a phenomenal matchup and while Michael Turner had a great season, the 49ers have done well at times in the past against solid running backs.  This will be a very tough won, but it is winnable.

vs. Detroit Lions: WIN - I don't care what they do in the offseason, I'll continue to notch this up as a win until further notice.  The Lions have a lot of work to do this offseason throughout the organization and I honestly have no idea when they'll become a decent football team.  I'd say return to relevance, but when you go 0-16 you're relevantly awful.

vs. Chicago Bears: WIN: I wonder if this will send GeoMak into shock, although maybe he's only a fan of the old teams.  The Bears did have a shot at the division title heading into Week 17, but I just can't respect a team with Kyle Orton and Rex Grossman at quarterback.  They rock the great defense, but part of their success in 2009 might be predicated on whether Devin Hester can develop into a better receiver (or maybe if they stick him back at kick returner full time).

vs. Jacksonville Jaguars: LOSS - This is based on a bounce back season by the Jaguars.  They've got an impressive array of talent and yet it all collapsed this season, big time.  I think the Jaguars are fixing to bounce back in 2009.  I see no home loss being a blowout this season meaning they're all quite winnable.  I've got this team going 6-2 at home, but that could honestly range anywhere from 8-0 to 4-4 and I would not be surprised

vs. Tennessee Titans: LOSS - The Titans looked really impressive at times season and really average at times this season.  The two questions heading into 2009 is who will be quarterbacking team and whether Chris Johnson will have a sophomore slump.  The good thing for them at running back though is they've got a solid LenDale White to make up for a Johnson slump.  However, QB is another question.  Collins is getting a bit long in the tooth and Vince Young remains a little coo-coo for coco puffs.  RIght now I have this as a loss, but depending on how the offseason moves, I'm tempted to swing this into the win column.  Call me VY crazy.

@ Minnesota Vikings: WIN - The last time the 49ers faced the Vikings (2007), they shut down Adrian Peterson (3 yards on 14 carries), but were roughed up by Chester Taylor.  The defense is improved since then and I think they can contain the running back duo in 2009.  The Vikings continue to have huge questions at the quarterback position, which will hold them back until further notice.

@ Green Bay Packers: WIN - After a decent enough start, the Packers really struggled.  Aaron Rodgers had a solid first year starting, but the team as a whole just could not take care of business.  They had a 1,000 yard rusher, but Ryan Grant only averaged 3.9 a carry in doing so.  On defense, they were quite solid against the pass, but horrible against the run.  By DVOA's terms, they finished 16th in team efficiency, but finished with the 24th best record.  I think this is a big time wildcard game.  Initially I was hoping for a warm weather game, but given the 49ers rushing tendency going forward, maybe the 49ers will have the advantage on the frozen tundra?

@ Indianapolis Colts: LOSS - Even in what was supposed to be a down year, the Colts put together a solid 12-4 season.  If they can stay healthy in the offseason and get Joseph Addai back to his 2007 form (just murder in 2008 on fantasy teams), they're a dangerous team.  I think this is the closest there is to a guaranteed loss, although I think the 49ers can still hang with the Colts.

@ Houston Texans: WIN - This might actually have a lot to do with scheduling.  The last two season, the Texans have finished 5-1 and 3-1 while finishing the season as a whole at 8-8.  I'm thinking we want to face this team in the first couple months.  They've got a lot of talent, but consider me one person who thinks Steve Slaton is the rookie most likely to hit the rookie wall in 2009.

@ Philadelphia Eagles: LOSS - The Eagles had the 49ers number during the Nolan era.  It'd be nice to see Mike Singletary change that but I'm not sure it will happen on the road.  Of course, given the Jekkyl and Hyde nature of the Eagles anything is possible.  With the firing of Mike Nolan, Andy Reid can possibly lay claim to worst in-game manager in the NFL.  Thast certainly leaves the door open for an upset.

St. Louis Rams: WIN/LOSS - I just split the divisional games down the middle.  We could very well sweep the Rams, and be swept by another team.  The Rams face an important offseason in getting back to respectability.  The players want Jim Haslett back, but I really don't think that's the best idea.

Arizona Cardinals: WIN/LOSS - The 49ers need to at least split with the Cardinals if they're going to take that step back to respectability and winning the division.  The Cardinals were solid at times and awful at times, although the awful probably relates to being locked into playoff position.  However, I think the Cardinals are primed to be knocked off their perch (pun only partially intended).  A split at the very least is a must.

Seattle Seahawks: WIN/LOSS - I honestly have no idea what to expect from the Seahawks in 2009.  Yes they'll have Matt Hasselbeck returning, but he turns 34 early in the season.  Their running game was solid, but not spectacular.  They went through more receivers than I thought was possible and their defense did nothing for anybody.  And yet they bring their A game when they face the 49ers, which means anything is possible.

And just like, I've got a final prediction of 9-7.  I'm probably being a bit optimistic, but I think the wins I have listed are entirely possible.  Of course, as the slate of opponents for 2008 showed, anything is possible (see Dolphins, Miami and Jets, NY).  One trade can completely change a team.  Given that, I'll be back with another round of schedule predictions after free agency and just before the draft.  Are there any games I've predicted where you think I'm 100% wrong?

  vs. 

Here we go. The last game of the season. The season has swung between awfully disappointing and signs of optimism for the future.  The 49ers have finished seasons fairly well the last few years, but a 4-1 finish would be one of their best in recent times.

The San Francisco 49ers host the Washington Redskins this weekend in what will be the 28th meeting between the two teams. The series dates back to 1952. San Francisco holds a 16-10-1 overall advantage against Washington, which includes a 3-1 record over the Redskins in postseason play. The last time the two teams squared off was in 2005, when the Redskins beat the 49ers 52-17 in Maryland.

Last week at St. Louis (12-21), QB Shaun Hill orchestrated a come-from-behind 17-16 victory by throwing two touchdown passes in the final five minutes of the game. WR Isaac Bruce recorded his 1,000th career catch on Hill’s first touchdown pass, becoming only the fifth player in NFL history to accomplish the feat. Bruce’s next catch for eight yards moved him past Tim Brown (14,934) into second place on the NFL’s all-time receiving yards list. 

Hill enters this week’s game with a 6-3 record as a starter, which includes a 4-0 record at Candlestick Park. With one game to play, RB Frank Gore needs just 22 more rushing yards on the season to become the first 49ers player to rush for 1,000 yards in three consecutive seasons. 

This game will also mark the final game called by Joe Starkey, who has been the radio voice of the 49ers since 1989. Starkey announced his retirement this past Thursday.

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