League provides 49ers national spotlight

By Danny Dabiri  |   Thursday, May 24, 2007  |  Comments( 33 )

San Francisco 49ers
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The NFL office rewarded the improving San Francisco 49ers with four prime-time matchups this upcoming season.

Prime-time games feature quality teams and clubs on the cusp of greatness. The Niners finished 7-9 last year and missed the playoffs. It's clear the schedule-makers expect the 49ers to make dramatic strides in 2007, however.

The 49ers' long-awaited return to glory begins on Sept. 10, the first week of the season, in front of a national, prime-time audience. San Francisco host division-rival Arizona in the nightcap of ESPN's doubleheader presentation of Monday Night Football. Focal points Alex Smith and Frank Gore will lead the charge on offense, and the 49ers will unveil a bolstered defensive unit that features free-agent additions Nate Clements and Tully Banta-Cain, as well as first-round draft pick Patrick Willis. This opening-week spotlight provides the 49ers with a perfect opportunity to set the right tone for the season.

But the prime-time love doesn't stop there.

The 49ers will play at Seattle on Monday night in Week 10, the scene of one of the Niners' most impressive results last season. This game could go a long way in determining the eventual champion in the NFC West.

In Week 15, San Francisco hosts the Cincinnati Bengals on a Saturday night. While technically in prime time, the game will be televised on the NFL Network, so it won't be seen in much of the country. Chances are good that one of your buddies has DirecTV, but if not, you have more than 200 days to do something about it. If all indications are correct, this game will have huge playoff implications for both squads.

The 49ers conclude their prime-time schedule with a home Sunday night game against Tampa Bay in Week 16. If things go according to plan, this could be the game where the Niners clinch their first division title since 2002.

It's worth pointing out that the 49ers will play more games in prime time than the San Diego Chargers (14-2 last season) and the reigning NFC West champion Seahawks. Does this mean San Francisco will have a better record than the Bolts? Probably not, but the league's expectations are that this year's version of the 49ers will make for very compelling sports theater.
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CommentsComments: 33  |  Sign Up  View all comments
No.1
1st2-6		01:48 AM
05/24/2007
I'm so glad we don't have to suffer watching the horrible raiders in three primetime games put up goose eggs again. This will be...
No.2
Mad Mardigan		11:49 AM
05/24/2007
It's really rewarding to see that we now have a considerable amount of these prime time games. As a die hard fan of a team, you...
No.3
Mike		12:09 PM
05/24/2007
I guess all this attention is on the good side. It means we are making positive strides. More Primetime than San Diego? Coach...
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