Bears, Seahawks are two particularly intriguing opponents on 49ers remaining schedule

Another week is in the books, and the San Francisco 49ers are halfway through their schedule. Roughly half the league is at the halfway point, with the remaining teams having played seven of their games. Plenty will change, but we have a pretty good idea who the top handful and bottom handful of teams are in the NFL.

And with that, we’re back for Week 9 NFL power rankings. My bottom three remain the same, with the 49ers, Giants, and Raiders bringing up the rear. It’s fitting that the 49ers face the Raiders this week and the Giants next week. San Francisco realistically should beat both teams, but they have proven they could just as easily blow both games in crushing fashion.

The 49ers have their bye week following this two-game homestand. After the break, they close out their schedule with six games. Their remaining schedule with current power ranking standing is as follows:

vs. Oakland (32)
vs. Giants (31)
@ Buccaneers (27)
@ Seahawks (16)
vs. Broncos (18)
vs. Seahawks (16)
vs. Bears (8)
@ Rams (1)

The Seahawks and Bears are the two most intriguing games on the schedule in my mind. Seattle has quietly climbed into a wild card spot, but face a tough schedule the rest of the way. They still have to play the Chargers and Chiefs, and also have their road game against the Rams. They play the 49ers twice and the Cardinals once, but otherwise face all playoff teams. The Seahawks have to sweep San Francisco and Arizona if they want to claim a wild card berth.

Meanwhile, the Bears are leading the NFC North after their win and Minnesota and Green Bay losing. They close out the season at Minnesota, a week after playing the 49ers. Chicago is playing solid football, but Week 16 in Santa Clara is a serious trap game for them.