3 Most Important Games on San Francisco 49ers' 2022 Schedule

The San Francisco 49ers fell just short of making it to the Super Bowl after getting beat by the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Championship Game. The team has spent most of the offseason trying to move current quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo to open up a spot for 2021 first round pick Trey Lance and renegotiate with standout wide receiver Deebo Samuel.

The 49ers are seen as contenders by the oddsmakers at WynnBET Sportsbook, +500 to win the NFC and +1200 to win the Super Bowl. Despite the turmoil on the roster, the Niners are still seen as a likely playoff team. All in all, San Francisco still has 18 weeks of the NFL season to make it through. Let's take a look at three of the biggest matchups on their schedule heading into camp. 

49ers vs. Cardinals

The 49ers matchup is notable not so much for the matchup itself, but more for where it’s taking place. This Week 11 showdown will kick off in Mexico City on November 21 as a home game for the Cardinals. The two teams have played once already at the Estadio Azteca back in 2005 with the 49ers getting crushed 31-17. 

I would consider the Cardinals a bit of a dark horse to win the Super Bowl that presents a challenge during a normal week. This game gives the 49ers a chance to step up in a weird spot and beat a better team on the road. 

49ers vs. Dolphins

This will be the first time that Mike McDaniel enters Levi’s Stadium as an opponent in quite some time. After more than five years with the organization, the former offensive coordinator is now the 15th head coach of the Miami Dolphins. It will be interesting to see if the student can overcome the teacher as McDaniel is a protegee of Kyle Shanahan. McDaniel took two 49ers assists along with him in Jon Embree and Wes Welker with him to the Sunshine State. 

The Dolphins are a whole new monster this year after adding Tyreke Hill, Bowler Terron Armstead, and Connor Williams to the mix. They also signed Teddy Bridgewater to back up Tua Tagovailoa. This is a game that the 49ers would have won easily last year, but could be in for a long afternoon at home when Miami comes to town. 

49ers vs. Rams

The 49ers will be seeking revenge on the Rams for knocking them out of the NFC Championship Game and eventually winning the Super Bowl. The 49ers face the Rams twice this year in what should prove to be two very challenging games for San Francisco. The 49ers managed to sweep the Rams in the regular season and will need at least one win against them to win this division.