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San Francisco 49ers: 10 Bold Predictions for the 2016 Season

By Peter Panacy

November 8, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Aaron Lynch (59) and defensive end Arik Armstead (91) celebrate during the first quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at Levi's Stadium. The 49ers defeated the Falcons 17-16. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
November 8, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Aaron Lynch (59) and defensive end Arik Armstead (91) celebrate during the first quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at Levi's Stadium. The 49ers defeated the Falcons 17-16. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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No. 1: 49ers Finish with a 10-6 Record and Earn a Postseason Berth

Alright, so this is the wildest and boldest prediction of them all.

In all likelihood, the 49ers are going to be a sub-.500 team in 2016. Even with the hiring of head coach Chip Kelly and an influx of promising rookie talent, San Francisco won’t be turning around its fortunes in this drastic of a way.

But these are bold predictions, so let’s get as bold as possible.

CBS Sports’ John Breech recently listed the 49ers and Atlanta Falcons as having the most difficult 2016 schedule — opponents’ winning percentage ranks at .555.

Factor in San Francisco playing in the NFC West, which boasts two playoff-likely franchises — the Arizona Cardinals and Seattle Seahawks — and the 49ers’ chances don’t look very good.

Bold… remember that.

Let’s assume the 49ers wind up playing better than anticipated. Much better. And while road wins against the Seahawks and Cardinals seem unlikely at best — and a home victory over the defending NFC champion Carolina Panthers will be next to impossible, let’s predict San Francisco exceeding expectations and catching other NFL teams on its schedule at the right time.

10-6 record… bold.

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Maybe this is enough to secure a Wild Card spot in the playoffs, which would really be something.

And there would certainly be more than enough storylines to suggest the 49ers did more than a few things right during the offseason and into the regular season as well.

Fans can only hope. But hey, stranger things have happened. And this is why we play the games.

via GIPHY

Next: Looking at the 49ers 2016 Quarterback Position

All statistics, records and accolades courtesy of Pro-Football-Reference.com and Sports-Reference.com unless otherwise indicated.