49ers: 5 key storylines to watch in 2020 NFL playoffs

5 key storylines to watch for 49ers during 2020 NFL playoffs

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 24: Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates with Mike Person #68 and Mike McGlinchey #69 after throwing a touchdown pass to George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers #85 in the third quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Levi's Stadium on November 24, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /

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George Kittle, Adrian Amos, 49ers, Packers

Tight end George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers and strong safety Adrian Amos #31 of the Green Bay Packers (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

No. 4: Tight End George Kittle’s First Run in the Playoffs

It’s a safe assumption the big-name players need to make big-time plays once the NFL playoffs begin.

And the 49ers have a pretty big big-name player, tight end George Kittle.

Kittle just wrapped up his second 1,000-yard receiving season in as many years, and now he’ll be asked to provide the same kind of thump and impact he was able to display during the 49ers’ gauntlet run of playoff-bound opponents in the second half of the regular season.

There’s a correlation to watch here. A season ago, Kittle and Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce both broke now-retired New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski’s single-season record for most receiving yards at the position, Kittle securing the top spot with 1,377.

Gronkowski appeared in 16 playoff games during his storied career, totaling 81 receptions for 1,163 yards and 12 touchdowns. Those 12 playoff touchdowns rank second all time among pass catchers, only behind Hall of Famer Jerry Rice (22).

Needless to say, Kittle will now be tasked with carving out his own NFL playoffs legacy, which will start against whoever the 49ers face in the NFC divisional round.