3 reasons why SF 49ers go on hot streak after Week 11 bye

At 4-6, the SF 49ers are a long shot to make the postseason. But a post-bye week hot streak is certainly on the table, and here’s why.

According to Football Outsiders, the SF 49ers have a mere 4.5-percent chance of making the playoffs this season.

This, following the Niners’ 4-6 start over their first 10 games and in the wake of a three-game losing streak where head coach Kyle Shanahan’s squad was outscored 98-57. These most recent losses ensured San Francisco would stay in the basement of an extremely competitive NFC West where the Los Angeles Rams, Seattle Seahawks and Arizona Cardinals are all looking down at the SF 49ers in the standings.

The Niners get to play each of those teams once more this season, and it’s pretty safe to say each of those contests will be vital in determining whether or not San Francisco can land a playoff berth.

This won’t be made easier due to the overwhelming number of injuries the 49ers have suffered this season, including two of their key offensive playmakers, quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo and tight end George Kittle. Losing defensive starters like EDGE Nick Bosa, cornerback Richard Sherman, EDGE Dee Ford and safety Jaquiski Tartt to injuries hasn’t helped matters either.

Still, there are more than a few reasons to believe the Niners can go on a little bit of a hot streak.

For one, their Week 11 bye affords some extra preparation and rest time in advance of a crucial Week 12 bout against the Rams, which could be vital in determining the NFC West pecking order once Week 17 closes.

There are other reasons, too, why we could see San Francisco finish out the year on a nice little hot streak.

Here are three of them.