49ers: Why a fast start is mandatory to make playoffs in 2018

San Francisco 49ers: Why a fast start is mandatory to make playoffs in 2018

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - OCTOBER 08: George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates after scoring a game tying touchdown in the fourth quarter during the game between the Indianapolis Colts and the San Francisco 49ers at Lucas Oil Stadium on October 8, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Bobby Ellis/Getty Images) /

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SANTA CLARA, CA – DECEMBER 24: Head coach Kyle Shanahan of the San Francisco 49ers congratulates Jimmy Garoppolo #10 after a one-yard touchdown run against the Jacksonville Jaguars during their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Robert Reiners/Getty Images) /

Hopes are high for the San Francisco 49ers, as for the first time since Jim Harbaugh was in charge they have a legitimate shot at playoffs. But exactly how important will a fast start be?

I’m going to say it now and get it out of the way early: The San Francisco 49ers have a really good chance of playoffs this season.

They don’t even have to get past the stacked Los Angeles Rams, just get past the other teams for a Wild Card spot.

Will they make the Super Bowl? Who knows. But any team in there is at least a fighting chance.

The 49ers can’t afford to be chasing teams late into the season. However, the roster is now an inexperienced one especially when it comes to being a playoff team. The best strategy is to hit teams hard and fast early, and the first six weeks will be absolutely vital.