San Francisco 49ers: Game-by-game predictions for the 2019 season

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SANTA CLARA, CA – SEPTEMBER 10: Solomon Thomas #94 of the San Francisco 49ers warms up before their game against the Carolina Panthers at Levi’s Stadium on September 10, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. San Francisco 49ers (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

Week 8: vs Carolina Panthers

This is the point where the schedule begins to turn for San Francisco. Now four weeks removed from their bye week, most teams will be better rested, and injuries will begin to pile up.

Also, the opponents just get tougher. Having to travel back home from Washington cuts into some of the advantages of home field and the Panthers will be coming off a bye giving them extra time to prepare for the 49ers.

Cam Newton does not get the respect he deserves as a very good, albeit not elite quarterback. Carolina plays in a very competitive division and while they have taken a step back since reaching the Super Bowl in 2016, remain a formidable contender.

They have the necessary offensive line to contain the 49ers pass rush and given the holes in San Francisco’s secondary can give Newton the time he needs to find open targets.

Kawann Short is another star interior lineman who will give Jimmy G headaches and make it difficult to get the run game going.

Prediction: L 27-14 (5-2)