The San Francisco 49ers head into Buffalo to face the Bills, looking to turn things around under quarterback Colin Kaepernick. The team sits at 1-4, in the midst of a four-game losing streak. They could very well turn things around under Kaepernick, but with questions at wide receiver, and the loss of NaVorro Bowman, this team faces more questions than answers.
Now that we’re into Week 6, I thought I’d take another look at draft implications of the schedule. If you think the 49ers can turn this around and make a playoff run, so be it. But if you are thinking otherwise, here is how the 49ers can improve their draft position this week.
The now 2-4 Chargers already helped on Thursday Night Football, upsetting the Denver Broncos. That leaves seven teams, including the 49ers with one win on their record. And of course, there are the winless Cleveland Browns. Here is a look at all the zero win and one win teams this week.
Cleveland Browns (0-5) at Tennessee Titans (2-3)
Rooting interest: The Browns seem unlikely to win many games this season. I think they end up losing against an improving Titans team, but we’ll be rooting for an upset.
Carolina Panthers (1-4) at New Orleans Saints (1-3)
Rooting interest: The Panthers welcome back Cam Newton from a concussion, and also get Jonathan Stewart back alongside Kelvin Benjamin. I think we see the Panthers win more games this season, while I suspect the Saints end up with a top-ten draft pick. I’m pulling for the Saints in this one.
Jacksonville Jaguars (1-3) at Chicago Bears (1-4)
Rooting interest: The Jaguars finally managed a win two weeks ago over the Colts in London. I think the offseason expectations might prove to have been too high, but I do think they’ll win some games this year. Meanwhile, the Bears offense is showing significant signs of life, but that defense is still bad. I’ll pull for the Bears this week.
Pittsburgh Steelers (4-1) at Miami Dolphins (1-4)
Rooting interest: Easy call with the Dolphins, even though I think most expect the Steelers will dominate the Dolphins.
New York Jets (1-4) at Arizona Cardinals (2-3)
Rooting interest: The Cardinals have scuffled along, but with Carson Palmer back, they should be able to beat a struggling Jets team. I’m pulling for the Jets, but that defense is playing pretty bad.