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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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November 8, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) stands on the sideline against the Atlanta Falcons during the second quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
November 8, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) stands on the sideline against the Atlanta Falcons during the second quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 10: Colin Kaepernick Thrives Under Chip Kelly

Let’s get this one out of the way first.

2015 was a disaster for quarterback Colin Kaepernick, and the embattled signal-caller found himself benched midway through the season and the subject of trade rumors all the way through the NFL Draft.

Kap is back in camp and in open competition with fellow QB Blaine Gabbert.

Head coach Chip Kelly’s offense may or may not be the right fit for Kaepernick. Speculation has gone both ways. But one thing is for certain — almost anything would be an improvement over what Kaepernick and the 49ers experienced under former offensive coordinator Geep Chryst last year.

Perhaps, and it’s a big perhaps, Kaepernick rediscovers himself under Kelly. And the new 49ers head coach works to get the best out of the former quarterbacking star.

And all the talk of Kaepernick not being happy in San Francisco may be addressed by a possible notion of Kap “kind of digging Chip Kelly,” according to Matt Maiocco of CSN Bay Area.

Does Kelly immediately turn Kaepernick into a Pro Bowler this season? Well, that would be a very bold prediction.

But let’s start this out by predicting Kaepernick rediscovers his 2012 form.

Next: 49ers Release Bruce Ellington