10 NFC predictions for Week 1 of 2018 NFL season

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – AUGUST 25: San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) looks downfield during the NFL preseason game between the Indianapolis Colts and San Francisco 49ers on August 25, 2018, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, IN. (Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

9. Jimmy Garoppolo is in for a bumpy game

It’s easy to see why people are fully invested into Jimmy Garoppolo being a franchise star already. He looks the part, sat behind Tom Brady, has the quickest release in the NFL, and plays for genius coach Kyle Shanahan. But he’s still inexperienced and prone to turnover-worthy decisions. His Week 1 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings isn’t going to go smoothly.

Some of this is out of his control. The Vikings have the best defense in the NFL, and while the 49ers annihilated last year’s best defense in Jacksonville, Minnesota has better pass-rushers, linebackers, and safeties. Plus, the 49ers aren’t sneaking up on anyone this year after all of the hype has built this offseason.

The 49ers’ shaky guard situation and lack of elite playmakers is going to show against elite defenses. Marquise Goodwin has become a well-rounded receiver and a legitimate stud, but there’s not much explosiveness in the backfield or around Goodwin. Expect the Vikings to clamp down on the offense and limit their effectiveness.