SF 49ers: 5 best storylines over first half of 2020 season

2 of 6

San Francisco 49ers logo at midfield at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 5: The SF 49ers are back to defend 2019 NFC title, officially

It’s a story that may never have an end, but the COVID-19 pandemic has changed how we enjoy SF 49ers games this year.

As you may recall, back in March (which is still this calendar year), the NBA, NHL, and MLB shut down due to the coronavirus. The SF 49ers were still shaking the effects of the Super Bowl off and were probably okay with another storyline headlining the news.

But this changed the way the offseason was going to be handled. The NFL Draft went virtual for the first time, there were no preseason games (which is an argument in itself) and teams were thrust into action with little time to prepare.

As the fall approached, the NFL announced they were going to continue with the season as is, and adapt as the weeks drew on.

Has it been perfect? For the SF 49ers with only one or two players placed on the COVID-19 list, you can say it has been. (Knock-on-wood) they’re schedule hasn’t changed due to the virus and they’ve been able to play at Levi’s Stadium in front of hundreds of cardboard cutouts.

Eventually, fans will be allowed back at Levi’s but until then, if no fans mean being able to watch our beloved SF 49ers play, we’ll take what we can get.