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Revisiting Niner Noise’s ‘bold’ predictions for the 49ers in 2017

By Peter Panacy

SEATTLE, WA - SEPTEMBER 17: Quarterback Brian Hoyer #2 of the San Francisco 49ers, center, looks to linebacker NaVorro Bowman #53 in the tunnel before the game against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on September 17, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Stephen Brashear/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA - SEPTEMBER 17: Quarterback Brian Hoyer #2 of the San Francisco 49ers, center, looks to linebacker NaVorro Bowman #53 in the tunnel before the game against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on September 17, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Stephen Brashear/Getty Images) /
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SANTA CLARA, CA – SEPTEMBER 10: Head coach Kyle Shanahan of the San Francisco 49ers shakes hands with head coach Ron Rivera of the Carolina Panthers after the Panthers won their game at Levi’s Stadium on September 10, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA – SEPTEMBER 10: Head coach Kyle Shanahan of the San Francisco 49ers shakes hands with head coach Ron Rivera of the Carolina Panthers after the Panthers won their game at Levi’s Stadium on September 10, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

Prediction No. 1: 49ers Finish with an 8-8 Record in 2017

What Actually Happened: 49ers finished 6-10 following a five-game win streak to close out the year

OK, so this was a bold prediction. Not the conservative-like 6-10 suggestion I made over at 49ers Webzone.

The rationale was this — San Francisco’s 2017 schedule was notably easier than the one it faced a year before. And with an offensive genius head coach, Kyle Shanahan, I thought the Niners could turn some heads and pull off some surprising wins over unsuspecting opponents.

Well, yes. The last part actually happened — see Weeks 15 and 16.

What We Said

"Expect the Niners to win some tough games against worthy opponents this season. And perhaps we won’t see them choke in the second half of contests, as was so often the case last year. It’s also worth pointing out the NFC West is no longer the powerhouse it once was. So that makes things a bit easier too."

What Happened

Well, the NFC West is going through a proverbial “changing of the guard,” as the Seattle Seahawks no longer seem quite as dominant. And the Arizona Cardinals are heading towards a complete rebuild.

More from Niner Noise

San Francisco’s 6-10 finish, including that five-game win streak, still marks an improvement. And remember that stretch of games during the first half between Weeks 2 and 6? The ones where the 49ers lost by no more than three points each contest?

One more right bounce or a few less penalties, and the Niners arguably win a couple of those games.

Next: 49ers player locks for starting positions in 2018

Oh, and it would have helped to have Jimmy Garoppolo under center back then.