San Francisco 49ers: Potential Unexpected Losses for 2014

The San Francisco 49ers are easily one of the best teams in the NFL. Throughout all the criticism, this team comes ready to play almost 100% of the time. Other than a slightly under-thrown pass by Colin Kaepernick in the NFC Championship Game, the Niners played a fairly good game, but came up short.

This year, they’re hungry; you can count on that fact for sure.

Despite the great play, it’s no secret that the Niners have some apparent holes. For example, Kaepernick struggles to find the golden touch on the ball that stretches the passing game. He has some of the best receivers in the NFL, but still has trouble finding them. The Niners are a terrific rushing team, but can be shut down when that aspect of the game slacks.

With that being said, which teams that the Niners are playing this year could possibly upset the Niners and steal a game?

1) September 3 @ Cardinals:

The best defensive team in the NFL in limiting rushing yards, the Cardinals had one of the best records to not qualify for the playoffs. They stole a game in Seattle against the Seahawks, and had a lot of success after that. Unfortunately for them, they were unable to catch the Niners and Seahawks who made the playoffs and faced off in the NFC Championship Game.

If the Niners are such a good rushing team, then they will play like it. Unfortunately for them, as good as they may be, their best players may find themselves stuffed at the stifling defense of the Arizona Cardinals. If they are limited in rushing yards, they will have to win a game Kaepernick’s underdeveloped passing game. Although a great quarterback, he likes skill and finesse on the ball.

2) October 5 vs Chiefs:

Although not a terrific defensive team, the Chiefs have a lot of pieces that are really working well together. They can put up a lot of points with Alex Smith at the helm, but another named Jamaal Charles happens to be one of the best running backs in the league. They lost in the Wild Card game of the playoffs, and were unable to recover from injuries.

Many of their pro-bowlers were injured, such as Charles. They managed to stay in the game till the very end, but were unable to do so. This season, they’re going to be just as good as they were last year. With solid defense and solid offense, the Chiefs have a good shot to beat the Niners, especially if Kaepernick is having a bad day, or the Niners’ defensive game isn’t working well either. With a weak day like that the Chiefs will be able to find any holes that they can, and attack those vulnerabilities.

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