The San Francisco 49ers have cemented their spot in last place of the NFC West division and finalized their 2017 home and away opponents. The dates of each game will be determined in the spring when the full regular-season schedule is released.

Home opponents (*playoff team): Arizona Cardinals, Los Angeles Rams, Seattle Seahawks*, Dallas Cowboys*, New York Giants*, Jacksonville Jaguars, Tennessee Titans, Carolina Panthers.

Away opponents (*playoff team): Arizona Cardinals, Los Angeles Rams, Seattle Seahawks*, Chicago Bears, Philadelphia Eagles, Houston Texans*, Indianapolis Colts, Washington Redskins.

My take: Attempting to project how difficult a schedule is going to be before the season begins is a fool's errand, but we can examine this through the lens of where the 49ers are as a franchise. The Niners looked every bit the part of a team about to undertake a massive rebuild this offseason, which means they're unlikely to be the favorites in many games next season, regardless of opponent. The NFC East enjoyed a renaissance in 2016 and should provide a stiff test as the 49ers go through it next season. The AFC South, on the other hand, remains one of the NFL's weaker divisions, which could help offset the difficulties of the NFC East should that division remain strong. The best news for San Francisco fans is that the NFC West has lost some of its luster after Arizona took a step back and the Rams look as though they're set for a rebuild of their own.