Earlier in the year we blogged about how the 49ers weren’t projected to be favored in any of their 2016 games.
That model is holding true in Week 1.
The Los Angeles Rams are favored by 2.5 points over the 49ers on Monday Night Football at Levi’s Stadium. The Rams are starting Case Keenum over No. 1 overall pick Jared Goff, are coming off a 7-9 season but still tout one of the best front seven’s in football.
It’s worth noting the Vikings were favored over the 49ers last year during a Week 1 Monday Night Football showdown. But San Francisco powered over Minnesota for a 20-3 victory behind 168 yards from Carlos Hyde.
The 49ers split with the Rams in 2015. In November, St. Louis spanked San Francisco 27-6, Colin Kaepernick struggled and Todd Gurley ripped off a 71-yard touchdown run. In the season finale, the 49ers got revenge 19-16 in overtime, but the win was fruitless and cost the team spots in the NFL Draft order.
The 49ers are tied with the Falcons for having the toughest strength of schedule (.555) heading into the season. Games against the last two defending NFC champions — Carolina and Seattle — loom in September.