“Bully ball” is how Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons described the playstyle of the San Francisco 49ers a few months ago. I would personally also detail this 49ers team as gritty and riveting, considering they made a deep run in last year’s playoffs in which they knocked out the heavily favored Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. With the 2022 season less than 100 days away, let’s take a look at the upcoming thrillers we have in store.
5. Miami Dolphins
Or, should I call them the Miami 49ers? After hiring Mike McDaniel, Wes Welker and Jon Embree, as well as signing Raheem Mostert, Trent Sherfield and River Cracaft, a running joke among fans on social media has been to call them the Miami 49ers. These additions alone should make this Dec. 4 contest at Levi’s Stadium an interesting one. Few things are certain, but the speedy offense of Mostert, Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill will not be an easy task for head coach Kyle Shanahan to control.
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Mostly, I just want to see how second-year quarterback Trey Lance fares against one of the greatest of all time, Tom Brady. It has been awhile since Brady has played against his childhood favorite team, the last time being 2016 while he was on the New England Patriots. At this time, Brady sits 2-1 when facing the 49ers. Oddly enough, Nick Bosa has 24.5 career sacks with none of them being Brady. The explosive defensive edge will be looking to add the 3x MVP to the list and even the score when Tampa Bay makes a trip to Levi’s Stadium on Dec. 11.
3. Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos and San Francisco 49ers have a rich history, as both teams had some of the most impressive dynasties of the 80s and 90s. Joe Montana and John Elway were two of the best to ever do it. Now, the Denver Broncos have acquired former Seattle Seahawk and big-time 49ers rival, Russell Wilson. Currently, Wilson has a record of 17-4 against the 49ers. Will things be different now that he is no longer a division rival? Or, Wilson may really just be the 49ers kryptonite. Time will tell on Sept. 25 as the teams meet a mile in the sky.
2. Las Vegas Raiders
It’s too bad that this rivalry isn’t considered the Battle of the Bay anymore, nevertheless, this meeting should be a good one. These teams have met a total of 14 times and are currently tied with seven wins each. However, what makes this particular game ranked so high would be none other than the date. The San Francisco 49ers will travel down to Las Vegas on Jan. 1 2023, New Year’s Day. It is safe to say that Allegiant Stadium will be buzzing, as tickets are already selling for $400 on StubHub.
1. Los Angeles Rams
Because who else? After the Seattle Seahawks traded Russell Wilson to the Denver Broncos, I am inclined to believe that the 49ers and Seahawks rivalry may not be the top dog in the NFC West anymore. I mean, who could forget the classic overtime thriller in week 18 at SoFi Stadium that sent San Francisco to the playoffs in dramatic fashion? Now, the 49ers seem to have some unfinished business after the Rams knocked them out of Super Bowl contention during the NFC Championship a few games later. The 49ers will travel down to SoFi Stadium (or is it Levi South?) on Oct. 30 to face the Rams in their second meeting of the season.
