Niner Noise
FanSided

5 bold predictions for the 49ers, the NFC West in 2019

By Peter Panacy

LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 30: Cornerback Richard Sherman #25 and San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Elijah Lee #47 tackle Los Angeles Rams running back C.J. Anderson #35 during the first half of a game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on December 30, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 30: Cornerback Richard Sherman #25 and San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Elijah Lee #47 tackle Los Angeles Rams running back C.J. Anderson #35 during the first half of a game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on December 30, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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SANTA CLARA, CA – DECEMBER 09: Dante Pettis #18 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates after scoring on a one-yard catch against the Denver Broncos during their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium on December 9, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Robert Reiners/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA – DECEMBER 09: Dante Pettis #18 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates after scoring on a one-yard catch against the Denver Broncos during their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium on December 9, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Robert Reiners/Getty Images) /

No. 1: But the 49ers Make the Playoffs, Too

Let’s be honest here. San Francisco going 8-8 — after a combined 10-22 record the last two seasons — would be a massive step in the right direction.

But a .500 record would be a mere prediction, perhaps an expectation. Those aren’t bold.

Instead, the bold prediction would have the Niners making the playoffs in 2019. If Seattle winds up winning the NFC West, the 49ers would have to get in as a Wild Card, of course. That part is obvious.

San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco 49ers /

San Francisco 49ers

So is the possibility and opportunity, however.

True, the Niners have a tough schedule this season. They travel to the Eastern Time Zone four times this year, and head coach Kyle Shanahan has yet to establish his team as a road winner. The early Week 4 bye doesn’t help matters much either.

Yet San Francisco is getting quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo back from his 2018 ACL tear. It’s not lost on followers the five-game win streak he helped engineer to close out 2017, which included wins over three playoff teams and with a far less-impressive supporting cast.

Heading into 2019, that offensive cast is much better. Newly acquired running back Tevin Coleman, a Shanahan favorite from his days with the Atlanta Falcons, should be a difference maker. Same with rookie wide receiver Deebo Samuel, who could be a breakout receiver in 2019, according to legendary wide receiver Reggie Wayne.

There are the previously mentioned defensive upgrades. And that tight end, George Kittle, is pretty good, too. Keep in mind, the majority of his record-setting 1,377 receiving yards last year came from quarterbacks not named Garoppolo.

The 49ers may be a little far off from hoisting a Lombardi Trophy. But in this prediction, they’re at least in the picture and playoff hunt.

Strengths, weaknesses & X-factors for each 49ers position in 2019. dark. Next

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