Through Week 9, only three teams have played a tougher slate of games than the San Francisco 49ers. The team's first nine opponents own a combined 44-31 record, equating to a .587 winning percentage.

The Dallas Cowboys (.588), Indianapolis Colts (.589) and Kansas City Chiefs (.600) are the clubs ranked above San Francisco in strength of schedule.

Fortunately for the 49ers, their schedule does appear to lighten up in the second half of the season. The team's remaining seven opponents are currently a combined 28-29 (.491).

To get you prepared for the home stretch of the 2015 campaign, here's a quick breakdown of the 49ers upcoming matchups.

Week 11 at Seattle Seahawks (4-4)

Blaine Gabbert made an impressive debut versus the Atlanta Falcons, but a trip to CenturyLink Field represents a much stiffer challenge.

The 49ers lost to the Seahawks, 20-3, at home in Week 7 and haven't won in Seattle since 2011.

On the bright side, the Seahawks have allowed the most sacks (31) and have the worst red-zone efficiency (29.41 percent) in the NFL.

Week 12 vs. Arizona Cardinals (6-2)

The 49ers droped a one-sided affair, 47-7, to the Cardinals in Week 3 of this season.

That game, however, was played in the desert. At home, San Francisco has defeated Arizona six straight times dating back to 2009.

Mike Iupati did not play against his former team earlier this season, so barring injury, the guard will face the 49ers for the first time in this matchup.

Week 13 at Chicago Bears (3-5)

A year ago, the Bears spoiled the opening of Levi's® Stadium with a fourth-quarter comeback highlighted by two Brandon Marshall touchdowns.

The Pro Bowl wide receiver no longer plays for Chicago, but someone who is there is former 49ers defensive coordinator Vic Fangio. His Bears defense currently ranks ninth in the league, allowing 341.9 yards per game.

Jay Cutler and Matt Forte have been banged up at times this season, so their health will be something to monitor as the game approaches.

Week 14 at Cleveland Browns (2-7)

Another revenge game here as defensive coordinator Eric Mangini returns to Cleveland, where he served as the head coach for two seasons from 2009-10. The 49ers will also see a familiar face in Donte Whitner, who earned two Pro Bowl selections in three years with San Francisco.

Josh McCown and Johnny Manziel have rotated as the Browns starting quarterback this season due to injuries.

The 49ers haven't squared off against the Browns since 2011, when they won at Candlestick Park, 20-10.

Week 15 vs. Cincinnati Bengals (8-0)

The 49ers haven't lost to the Bengals at home since 1974, winning five games in a row since then.

These two teams have also met twice in the Super Bowl, with San Francisco of course defeating Cincinnati both times.

If the Bengals still haven't lost by the time they travel to Santa Clara, they will be 13-0. Through Week 9, Cincinnati boasts the No. 3 scoring offense and No. 4 scoring defense.

Week 16 at Detroit Lions (1-7)

Detroit were within a blown call from winning at Seattle earlier this year but have since fallen onto hard times.

The team fired its general manager and president following its 45-10 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.

The Lions are scoring 18.6 points per game and have allowed 30.6 points per game. They do, however, still employ Calvin Johnson, who is closing in on his sixth-straight 1,000-yard season.

Week 17 vs. St. Louis Rams (4-4)

San Francisco kept the St. Louis offense in check for most of the teams' first meeting of 2015 in Week 8. But thanks to several big plays, including a 71-yard touchdown run by Todd Gurley, the Rams came out with the win, 27-6.

The last time the Rams visited Santa Clara, a controversial Colin Kaepernick fumble at the goal line with time running out in the fourth quarter left the 49ers on the losing end. 

So far this season, the St. Louis defense, led by a vaunted defensive line up front, has forced 14 takeaways and 27 sacks.