Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

The 49ers' physical approach to training camp should, in theory, make them more dangerous early in the season, when other teams are still getting acclimated to playing full speed.

But in analyzing the 49ers' schedule, it's conceivable for this team to post a poor record early.

Winning at Arizona in the opener changes the outlook. A defeat to the Cardinals puts pressure on the 49ers heading into a four-week stretch featuring games against the Seahawks (home), Vikings (road) and Falcons (home).

One way I could see the 49ers getting to 8-8, with "swing" games in red:

Week 1: lose at Arizona

Week 2: win vs. Seattle

Week 3: lose at Vikings

Week 4: win vs. Rams

Week 5: lose vs. Falcons

Week 6: bye

Week 7: win at Texans

Week 8: lose at Indianapolis

Week 9: lose vs. Titans

Week 10: win vs. Bears

Week 11: lose at Green Bay

Week 12: win vs. Jacksonville

Week 13: lose at Seattle

Week 14: win vs. Arizona

Week 15: lose at Philadelphia

Week 16: win vs. Lions

Week 17: win at St. Louis

This outlook differs slightly from the one published in April. That one suggested a possible 3-2 record heading into the bye, followed by a 1-4 record over the next five games and a 4-2 push to close the season. One question now would be whether the 49ers' approach to training camp made them vulnerable to wearing down, or if it steeled them for a late push. The new outlook sees the 49ers possibly taking a 2-3 record into the bye on their way to 4-6 and, ultimately, right around 8-8.